Darlene Kay Hoerner, 60

Our precious wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Darlene Kay Hoerner of Polson, “was reunited with her Dad and Sister in heaven” on June 25, 2013. While traveling home with her family, she was involved in a fatal car accident in Texas.  

Darlene, the second of five daughters to Charles L. Platt and Vivian M. Platt-Ross, was born in Hamilton on June 18, 1953.  She moved to Polson as an infant and graduated with the class of 1971.  

As an adult she lived in various places but always called Polson her home.

We are all blessed to have known Dar. She was full of life and will be forever missed. Her radiant smile and genuine heart made lasting imprints and warmed any room. Darlene was most comfortable and content spending time at the lake with her family and friends. She instigated many bonfires, complete with popcorn, s'mores and great music. She took the time to build a special relationship with everyone she knew, but especially, her nieces and nephews. She cherished each of them as her own; everyone loved “Auntie Dar.”   

Dar shared her many talents with all that crossed her path. To some she was Dar the artist, to others she was Dar the decorator or Dar the carpenter. She had a vision and a talent for taking anything and making it her masterpiece. She threw mind, body and spirit into everything she did, and that passion spilled over into her personal life. So us that call her family and those who call her a friend will proudly say that she was the masterpiece, perfect in everyway. 

Her father, Charles L. Platt and sister, Cindy Jo Platt “welcomed her to heaven with open arms.”

She is survived by her husband, Alan A. Hoerner; her sons, Blaine C. Platt and Katrina, and Austin A. Hoerner and Vanesha; stepsons, Joel Hoerner and Candace, and Levi Hoerner; mother, Vivian Platt-Ross and Keith; sisters, Charlene Avery and Randy, Lyn Fricker and Ron, and Tammy Kelley and Randy; many special nieces and nephews; and Keith's daughters, Debbie Knutson and Lori Neptune. 

The family has set up a Facebook page in her memory to share stories and pictures of Darlene. Please share your moment with us at “In loving memory of Darlene Hoerner.”

A celebration of her life will take place at on 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 at 34109 Connolly Way, (the cabin); all will be in casual attire.