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Dec. 26, 1962-Sept. 30, 2023
SIOUX FALLS--Darla Jo Renneke, age 60 of Sioux Falls, SD passed away peacefully at her home with her kitty on her lap and surrounded by her beloved family on September 30, 2023. Darla will be interred at Valley View Cemetery in Browns Valley, Minnesota on October 21, 2023, at her family's plot.
Darla Jo Renneke was born on December 26, 1962, at Wiener Memorial Hospital in Marshall, Minnesota to Myron and Donna (Dandurand) Renneke . She graduated from Marshall High School and afterwards attended horticulture school in the Minneapolis-Metro area. Darla fell in love with John Wignes, her 40 year life partner. They spent the first couple years living in Ghent, MN. In 1986, the couple moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where they lived on Main Street; after a few years there, Darla said "Well, I guess we like it here, let's build." And so they did, building their own home at their present address: 2019 East 33rd St. North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104.
Darla worked part-time for the city of Sioux Falls at Tut Hill Park and Gardens. She was hired on full-time at Cliff Avenue Greenhouse where she worked for years as a grower in the greenhouse. Darla also worked at Sportsman Bar & Grill as a bartender, where she met many a character.
Darla enjoyed taking the kids, Cade and Shaina on "Friday Field Trips" to the zoo. (See picture of her holding Cade with Shaina still in the womb.) They also enjoyed going to the Butterfly House, skiing at Great Bear, sledding at Tut Hill, and hiking at Tut Hill Gardens, where Darla showed off her flowers and plantings to the kids. Many a Fridays were spent at the Sioux Falls pools. Darla loved spending time with family and friends at their lake cabin in Northern Minnesota. She also loved gardening and planting.
Darla is survived by her spouse, John Wignes; son, Cade Wignes; daughter, Shaina Wignes; brother, Dan Renneke; and numerous nieces and nephews. Darla was preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Donna (Dandurand) Renneke; and brothers, Scott, Martin, and Lon.