Darlene was born February 16, 1936 in Ringsted, Iowa to Martin and Mamie Berkland Tindeland. She succeeds her husband Gene Zinnel who passed in 2001. She is survived by her sisters, Delores Boulett in Citrus Heights, California, Donna Johnson and her husband, Gerald in Buffalo, Minnesota. Children, Denise Zinnel Ruby and her husband Scott in Greer, S.C. Colette Zinnel Kirste and her husband Brian in Meridian, ID. Four grandchildren, Michael Ruby of Greenville, SC, Samantha Kirste Baughman and her husband Drew of Meridian, ID, Monica Ruby Burns and her husband Michael of Prosper, Texas and Wess Kirste and his wife, Stephanie of Meridian, Idaho. She has four great-grandchildren, Brendan and Emily Burns, Wyatt Baughman and Anderson Kirste. Additionally, five nieces and five nephews who were loving and active in her life.
She attended Cylinder High School in Cylinder, Iowa and graduated in 1954. She married the love of her life that same year who she met at age 14. She followed her husband's career with her family to 15 different homes in 8 states over their 46-year marriage. She moved to South Carolina in 2008 to be near family. She began to make her new life at The Cascades on Verdae for 11 years, moving during the pandemic to her final home at The Gardens of Eastside in 2020.
She was a beloved mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an active participant in her life always attending parties, games and outings. She loved playing games with her family and watching her favorite sports teams. She had an infectious smile that engaged people and she had many friends.
She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Mauldin and had a servant’s heart.
A memorial service will be held Monday, April 10 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1100 Log Shoals Road, Mauldin, SC 29662. Visitation with the family begins at 11:00 am with the service at 12:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, messiahmauldin.org or the Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate, 2435 East North Street, Suite 1108-266, Greenville, SC 29615 augustineproject-upstatesc.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Zinnel family.
