Darla J. Ashenbrenner

Darla was born in Milwaukee on Feb. 10, 1947, to George and Emma (Crebo) Voelker and was raised in Iron Mountain. Darla was a 1965 graduate of Iron Mountain High School in Iron Mountain. Darla furthered her education at Northern Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1969.

Darla started her teaching career in 1969 as a fifth-grade teacher in Sagola, before moving to Two Rivers in 1970, where she taught fifth grade at East Side Elementary School. Darla later taught second grade at Magee Elementary School starting in 1984.

In 1990, Darla took on a new position as the gifted education coordinator for the Two Rivers School District. While in this position, Darla assisted in forming the Lakeshore Gifted and Talented Consortium and the Gifted and Talented Consortium of CESA 7 in northeast Wisconsin. Darla was very proud seeing her students excel in academic growth and achieve high-standing careers.

Darla was involved in the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) for several years and served as WATG president in 2002-2003. Darla retired from her rewarding career as an educator in 2003.

Darla was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Edward J. Ashenbrenner, on June 7, 1969, in Iron Mountain. Darla and Ed moved to Two Rivers, in 1970, where they raised their three beautiful children. The couple enjoyed 55 years of marriage together.

Darla was the founding president of “Friends of Point Beach State Forest”. Darla and Ed camped for over 55 years together and were members of Jayco Flight 41 camping club. They enjoyed several camping trips and formed unforgettable friendships. Darla found solitude in watching sunsets while camping; with her favorite place being at Calumet County Park.

Darla enjoyed buying plants, flowers, and tending to her garden. You could always find Darla either watching football or reading a book. Darla was a proud Packers shareholder, fan, and longtime season ticket holder who never missed watching a Packers game.

Darla made sure her kids and grandkids knew they were thought of on their birthdays by being the first to call in the morning and sing Happy Birthday to them.

After retirement, Darla and Ed traveled to Lady Lake, Fla., for the winter months. Darla would make sure they would fly home from Florida to never miss a grandchild’s holiday concert or spend Christmas with their children and grandchildren. Christmas was always a special time for Darla. Darla made sure everyone had their own personalized stocking filled with treasures to open. The best times Darla had were the times her family was together.

Survivors include her husband, Ed Ashenbrenner; two sons, Travis (Chris) Ashenbrenner and Bryan Ashenbrenner; one daughter, Tari Jo (Chris “Biff”) Otradovec; and her grandchildren: Jacob (Autumn) Wilker, Elle Ashenbrenner; Connor and Norah Ashenbrenner; Emma, Addison, and Olivia Otradovec. She is further survived by one brother, Bruce Voelker; her special dog, Zoey; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Emma Voelker; sister-in-law Kristen Voelker; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lori (Steve) Fries.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at Lakeshore United Methodist Church, 411 Reed Ave., Manitowoc, Wis. The Rev. Cherie Forret will preside at the memorial service, with burial at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Lakeshore United Methodist Church Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels in Two Rivers is assisting the Ashenbrenner family with funeral arrangements.