Darlene Betty KulickBuhler, KS

Darlene Betty Kulick, 92, died January 27, 2026, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, Buhler.  She was born in a taxi cab during a snowstorm on December 30, 1933, in Goessel, and raised by her grandparents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Lowen) Schmidt of Lehigh.

Darlene graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1951.  She worked in the business office at Calhouns, Well’s Department Store, and Conklin Cars as a door greeter.

Darlene, or better known as “Cupcake” for her love of Cupcake Moscato Wine, was beautiful, both inside and out.  She was charismatic, fun, spunky, and loved life.  When Darlene was around, there were plenty of laughs, great times, and memories made.  She had many loves in her life- dogs, walking, sparkly hats, shopping on QVC, and having the most stylish purses, and multiple lipsticks.  In addition, Darlene enjoyed crossword puzzles and Soduku.   Above everything, her greatest love was family.  Darlene cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

On January 30, 1952, she married John J. Kulick, in at the First Christian Church, Hutchinson.  He died November 20, 2016, after they shared almost 65 years of marriage.

Darlene is survived by:  son, Jeff Kulick of Topeka; daughters, Kim Harth (Eric) of Andover and Stacey Kulick-Hart (Dr. Kay, as Darlene would call her) of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Justin Kulick (Christina), Josh Kulick (Lacee), Jason Kulick (Adrianne), Garrett Harth (Alyssa), Gavin Harth, Gage Harth, Lauren Walker (Phil), Remy Kulick-Hart, and Roman Kulick-Hart; and great-grandchildren, Isabella, Eva, Carter, Colton, Marcus, Madison, Lynix, and Ava.

She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter-in-law, Janice “Jan” Kulick.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Elliott Chapel, with Chaplain Thomas Nichols officiating.  Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. Private inurnment will take place at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.

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In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Redemption Animal Rescue, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.