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Darlene Dorothea (Leschinger) Cadarette died peacefully at her home on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. She was surrounded by her family when she went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born on June 15, 1940, in Dearborn, Michigan to the late Alexander and Dorothy (Nissel) Leschinger.
Married on April 25, 1959, Darlene shared 67 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Gerald "Jerry" Cadarette. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and caring for others. She was a loving mother to their three children: daughters, Jody, Jacqueline, and son, Kevin, whose heartbreaking loss in 1990 remained a profound part of her family's story.
Those who know Darlene will remember her as one of the most nurturing and selfless people. She had a deep, genuine love for everyone she met. After raising her own children, she continued to pour that love into the lives of many other children and families. Her kindness, patience, and steady presence left a lasting mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Darlene was also deeply dedicated to her community and her faith. She was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for nearly seventy years, where she served through the Altar Guild, funeral committee, Children's and School Ministries, and many other roles. She also shared her love of flowers through her service with the Alpena Garden Club. Whether caring for her family, supporting her church, tending to flowers, or helping others, Darlene gave generously of herself in ways both quiet and meaningful. To know Darlene was to be loved by her.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry; their daughters, Jody (James) Sprague and Jackie Ellinger; her grandchildren, Megan (Ian) MacGregor, Jacob, Madison, and Kevin Sprague; her great-grandchild, Remi Sprague; her little brother, Larry (Bonnie) Leschinger; brothers-in-law, Richard Cadarette, Tom Cadarette, and James Rickle; sister-in-law, Mable Lund; extended family; nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Kevin; sisters, Betty Brandt and Donna (William) and (Richard) Tucker Badder; in-laws, William and Bernice Cadarette, Dale (June) Cadarette, James (Julia) Cadarette, Donna (James) Clemens, Karen Rickle, Pat Cadarette, and Marlene Cadarette; and many other loved ones who held a special place in her heart.
Visitation will be held at Bannan Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation will continue Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 351 Wilson St. Alpena, MI 49707 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. James Erickson officiating.
Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Alpena, Michigan
Memorials can be made to Immanual Lutheran Church or Compassus Hospice.