Darlene Marie Schaperkoetter

Darlene Marie Schaperkoetter, 84, of Mascoutah, Illinois, passed away on April 7, 2026. Born July 8, 1941, to August and Olga(nee Singer) Engel, Darlene will be remembered as a beloved and cherished woman whose compassionate, devoted, and faithful spirit touched the lives of many. Gentle, kind-hearted, and thoughtful, she carried herself with honesty and wisdom, and she was known as both hard-working and resilient—steadfast in the ways she loved and served others.

Darlene grew up on a farm, where she loved working the land and learned early the value of dedication and perseverance. She helped her father with the old tractors, helped plant crops and tend to cows, and even drove combines—work she embraced with a selfless, loyal heart and a generous willingness to do whatever was needed.

Throughout her life, Darlene was a caregiver in the truest sense. She retired at age 65 after spending most of her life caring for others. She worked for a while at a local grocery store and at the drug store, where her warm, humorous nature helped her make many friends. She also cared for her mother and was a stay-at-home mom to her daughter, living each day with the quiet strength of a devoted and compassionate presence.

Darlene had a passion for cooking, and collecting and reading cookbooks and recipes. She found joy in the simple comforts of home and the sharing of good food, and she brought people together in ways that felt natural and sincere. Above all, she loved spending time with people, and she made friends everywhere she went—an enduring reflection of her gentle, generous, and faithful character.

Darlene was preceded in death by her two husbands, Joe Wilhelm and Dale Schaperkoetter, as well as both of her parents. She is survived by her daughter Melanie Wilhelm; her sister Sharon (Charles) Jung; and many other dear family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, US, on April 17, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, US, on April 17, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Lake View Memorial Gardens, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, US, on April 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.