Darlene Begeman

Darlene Ellen (Darling) Begeman December 17, 1945 – May 19, 2025

Darlene Ellen (Darling) Begeman, 79, of Mattawan, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born on December 17, 1945, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to William Earl Darling Sr. and Dorthy Ellen (Sparrow) Darling.

Darlene grew up in Gobles, Michigan, where she graduated from high school. It was there she met the love of her life, Duane Begeman, on a blind date in May 1962. The couple married on May 23, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Gobles. Just shy of celebrating 61 years of marriage, Darlene and Duane built a life full of love and devotion.

After Duane was drafted into the Army in March 1964, the couple relocated to Fort Hood, Texas, where their first son, Randy, was born. In 1973, they settled in Almena Township, Van Buren County, Michigan, where they welcomed two more sons, Brian and Craig. Darlene and Duane remained lifelong residents of Almena Township, living in the same cherished family home for over five decades.

Throughout her career, Darlene worked at Pemco Wheel and Allen Test Products in Kalamazoo. She deeply valued the time spent with family and friends. She found joy in watching hummingbirds, listening to Elvis Presley, and, most of all, supporting her grandchildren, whom she never missed a chance to cheer on. She was truly their biggest fan.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, William Earl Darling Sr. and Dorthy (Sparrow) Darling.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Duane Begeman; Her children:

• Randy (Chris) Begeman, and grandchildren Megan (Matt) Miller, Greg (Alyssa) Begeman—who are expecting Darlene’s first great-grandchild—Jacob Begeman, and Jessica (Hunter) Blake
• Brian (Luann) Begeman, and grandson Mitchell (Cass) Begeman, and Emma Begeman
• Craig (Jeanine) Begeman, and children Evan Begeman, Jay Begeman, and stepchildren Riley Patterson and Lukas Patterson
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She is also survived by her siblings:

• William (Peggy) Darling Jr. of Federal Way, Washington
• June (Darling) Johnson of Battle Creek, Michigan

A memorial gathering to honor Darlene’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced.

While visiting Darlene’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 5975 Lovers Lane in Portage 269 344-5600.