Darlene Ann Dworak, 90, of Manitowoc passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Lakehouse in Manitowoc.

Darlene was born on September 30, 1935 in Manitowoc to Walter and Dorothy (Windus) Handl. She was a 1953 graduate of Lincoln High School. On June 25, 1955, she married Franklin “Fritz” Dworak. He preceded her in death on August 16, 1998. Darlene worked for the Manitowoc Public School System in payroll, until her retirement in 1998. Darlene was a dedicated wife and mother and enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul from 2009-2025. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crocheting, knitting, doing sudoku and had a passion for dogs.

Darlene is survived by her children: Jim (Vicki) Dworak, Gary (Jane) Dworak, Rick (Kathy) Dworak, Pam (Bob) Dworak, and Ellen (Bill) Berger; grandchildren: Chad (Ali), Heather (Bob), Troy (Gabby), Courtney (Kole), Kenny, Laura (Brent), Sara, Steve (Jenny), Alex (Jen), Ashley, Jackson, Andrea (Keaton), and Ben (fiancé McKenna); great-grandchildren: Kayden, Noah, Sylvie, Claire, Kate, Evey, Will, Bristol, Keagan, Nash, Oliver, Lilah, Payten, Harper, Paisley, Rylan, and Klay; former daughter-in-law: Judy Dworak; sisters: Marge Schaus, and Lois Holst; and sisters-in-law: Judy Handl, Lynn Dworak, and Darlene Wellner. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents: Walter and Dorothy Handl; husband: Franklin “Fritz” Dworak; brother: Skip Handl; nephew: Todd Schaus; father-in-law and mother-in-law; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A funeral space to celebrate Darlene’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street, with Chaplain Joe Zenk officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the funeral home from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Darlene will be laid to rest next to her husband at Knollwood Mausoleum in the town of Kossuth.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vincent de Paul can be made in Darlene’s memory.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.