Darlene Allen, 79, of Watertown, SD passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, SD. Funeral Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2017 at Geise Funeral Chapel in Estelline, SD. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at Geise Funeral Chapel in Estelline. Geise Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Darlene Ann Middleton was born on July 13, 1937 in Watertown, SD, the daughter of Howard and Lola (Thompson) Middleton.  Darlene attended school in Estelline and graduated from Estelline High School. She was united in marriage to Maynard Keimig and to this union five children were born; Raymond, Allan, Julie, Jim and Jeff 'Opy.' The family lived on an acreage just south of Estelline.

Darlene married Charles 'Chuck' Allen on August 18, 1979. They lived in several different towns, eventually settling in Watertown. With all the moving she and Chuck did, she had various jobs. They owned and operated the Imperial Steak House in Clark, SD from 1992 to 1996. Her children will tell you her main career was being a loving mother.

Darlene enjoyed reading, putting together puzzles, and spoiling her dog Missy. In the summertime she loved to go camping. Known to her grandchildren as 'Nana,' she enjoyed every minute she was able to spend with them.

Darlene is survived by her children, Raymond (Kristin) Keimig of Athens, AL, and children Aundrea (Alex) and Matthew; Allan (Sandy) Keimig of Wildomar, CA, and children Madison 'mini me', Patrick and Ashley; Julie (Joel) Ulschmid of Henry, SD, and children Kathy, David and Justin; Jim (Amy) Keimig of Watertown, SD, and children Cody, Brooke, RJ and Tyler; Jeff 'Opy' (Jennifer) Keimig of Henry, SD; two sisters, Judy (Les) Carsley of Newberg, OR, and Karen (Lee) Yager of Madison, SD; one brother, Fred Middleton of Irvine, CA; sister-in-law, Jan Middleton of Pipestone, MN and a host of other relatives.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, on December 27, 2011; her parents; brothers, Jerry Middleton, David Middleton and Dick Middleton.

The family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Lakes Hospital, especially Patrick, Jocelyn and Tammy, for the special care given to Darlene.