Darleen R. Ladenburger, 79, of Princeton, formerly of Mendota, died March 19, 2012, in Heartland Health Care, Henry. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday in St. John's Lutheran Church, Mendota with the Revs. Dale Peterson and Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Wednesday in Merritt Funeral Home , Mendota. She was born Aug. 5, 1932, in Rochelle to Henry and Lottie (Cole) Gruben . She married Don Ladenburger in August 1952 in Rochelle. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Mendota and Peru, where she was active in many areas of the church's music programs. She taught organ, piano and guitar for many years. She was employed by Mendota Lutheran Home, Jensen Jewelry Store in La Salle for more than 20 years, and Oak Room in Princeton. Mrs. Ladenburger is survived by two daughters, Cheryl (Lowell) Christiansen of Princeton and Mary (Dean) Schallhorn of LaMoille; two grandchildren, Cory and Michelle Schallhorn; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 22, 2003, and two brothers. Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.