Darlene Sara Thomson was born February 9, 1939, in Deadwood, SD, to James and Leota Thomson. She attended school at St. Pats in Lead and began dating Bill Ziegenbein in 1954. Darlene graduated from Sturgis High School in 1957. Upon graduation, Darlene moved to Seattle, WA, and worked for The Boeing Company. She returned to the Black Hills and married the love of her life on September 28, 1958. Darlene and Bill made their home and raised their children in the Piedmont area. They established Zieg Trucking in 1960 and Darlene spent 44 years keeping the books for their business ventures. More importantly, Darlene raised their three children and created a warm and loving home for her family. In 1993, Darlene and Bill partially retired when they sold Zieg Trucking and in 2004 they fully retired after selling their farm on Red Shirt Table.

Darlene was an active member and volunteer in her catholic church. She was a longtime member of the Piedmont Sewing Circle and enjoyed helping in her children's classrooms. Flower gardening was one of her most loved pastimes and Darlene spent every spring and summer creating a gorgeous yard. Darlene was an avid reader, enjoyed bird watching, and was always ready to play a good-natured game with family and friends.

Darlene was a wonderful and beloved mother and grandmother. She and Bill spent much of their time traveling, visiting their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Together, they toured the Black Hills by four-wheeler and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with their many cherished friends.

Darlene's memory and inspiration is carried on by her husband, Bill Ziegenbein, Piedmont, SD; son, Zane (Conni) Ziegenbein, Sturgis, SD; daughter, Kim (Dan) Quenon, Peoria, AZ; son, Shane (Shawna) Ziegenbein, Portland, OR; granddaughters, Kyndal (Chad) Strenge, Colman, SD, Genevieve Quenon, Peoria, AZ, and Stevie Spencer, Box Elder, SD; grandsons, Jake Quenon, Peoria, AZ, and Zachary Ziegenbein, Sturgis, SD; great-grandchildren, Cody, Kaia, Kali, and Cole Strenge, Colman, SD; brother, Paul (Helen) Thomson, Sun City, AZ; sister-in-law, Joann Thomson, Rapid City, SD; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and lifelong friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, James and Leota; her parents-in-law, Theron and Selma Ziegenbein; three brothers, Irvin (Helen) Thomson, Junior (Marge) Thomson, and Rodger Thomson; sister, Louise (Francis) Parsons; and sisters-in-law, Charlotte Bachand and Jeanne (Buzz) Andrews.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 5th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church in Piedmont.

Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church in Piedmont with Father Andrzej Wyrostek officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers the family request that a memorial be given to the Piedmont Library or the Red Cloud Indian School.

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