Darla K. Porter, 62, of Rib Mountain, died peacefully at Aspirus Hospice House surrounded by her children and beloved pug, after living with Metastatic Breast Cancer for 2 years, on February 26th.

Darla was born in Wausau, Wisconsin on January 10, 1962, to Leonard and Lorraine (Rottscheit) Elmer. In her childhood, Darla loved warm summers playing in the old neighborhood fields with friends and siblings. She always remembered going to get a box of blue raspberry popsicles for just a nickel.

Darla graduated from Wausau West High School in 1980. Upon graduation, she enlisted in the United States Air Force. Through her Air Force career, she completed an associate degree in Logistics Management through the community college of the Air Force and a bachelor's degree through Wayland Baptist University. While serving at her first duty station in Hawaii, Darla met her former husband, James Porter, and they married in 1982. They traveled Europe together and served assignments in Hawaii, Turkey, and Illinois. Darla's next assignment brought them to Alaska where they had all 4 of their children and stayed many years. Her final duty station brought the family to Guam. In 2001, Darla retired as Master Sergeant from the Air Force after serving 20 years. During her years of service, Darla met some of the most incredible people that had touched her life in many ways…Proud to be AMC! Darla always said the Air Force was the best thing she ever did, besides being a mom and nanna. After her retirement, she settled her family back in Wausau to be closer to her family and worked for Kolbe and Kolbe Millwork for 20 years where she had a wonderful career with many beloved coworkers.

Darla's love for the military didn't end after retirement. She continued to serve by joining The American Legion Post 10 in Wausau in 2009. She was an active member serving many roles including Post Commander from 2013-2014, Membership Chairperson at the Department Level, and part of the Honor Guard.

Throughout her life, Darla enjoyed many things. Darla loved traveling both solo and with her family. She was fortunate enough to visit almost all 50 states and many locations through her Air Force Service. Some of her favorite trips included: Door County, the Great Smoky Mountains, the shores of Lake Superior, and Up North. She was fortunate enough to take a bucket list trip to Paris and Germany last year. She went all the way up to the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset and then indulged in a delicious meal of French onion soup, her favorite. Darla's other favorite activities included: cooking and trying new recipes, casino trips, and exploring new supper clubs with her siblings while enjoying a good sweet old-fashioned. Darla had a special love for holidays, which was passed down to her from her mother. Darla continued the tradition of making each holiday memorable and loving for her own children and grandchildren.

Darla loved being a nanna to her three grandchildren and treasured every moment she had with them. Sleepovers at Nanna's were a special tradition that included tents set up for the kids, ice cream for breakfast, and pizza parties.

Darla was known for her strong work ethic, her determination, and her stubbornness. She loved to laugh and had a beautiful and kind smile. Darla took each day as a blessing. She never waited for a special occasion to celebrate, she did what she wanted and never let anything, especially cancer, hold her back.

Darla could always be found on her back deck in the early morning, enjoying the sunrise with a cup of coffee and her pug Zoe on her lap while listening to the bird's chirp.

Darla is survived by her children Lindsey (Isaac) Dolan, Jordan Porter, Taylor Porter, and Hamilton Porter. Her former husband, James Porter. Her three grandchildren Alivia, Atticus, and Theodore Dolan. Siblings David Elmer, Kathy (Mike) Switlick, Viki (Greg) Simmons, Donna (Gerry) Witt and Danny (Wen-Chi) Elmer. Her partner, Patrick Borchardt. Her beloved pug, Zoe. Also, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Darla was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Kelly Elmer, a niece Nicole Witt, a grand-niece Adrian Handrick, and her best friend Vicki Gill.

The family wishes to thank the Aspirus Cancer Center for their tireless care and support for Darla during her diagnosis. As well as the entire Aspirus Hospice Staff and Care Team for the help and comfort during Darla's last days.

Darla leaves behind a legacy of selfless service, the importance of getting out to enjoy life no matter what, and endless love for her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Memorials and donations can be made in Darla's name to various organizations that support Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers including After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD), The Infinite Boundaries Retreat through Breast Cancer Recovery and METAvivor.

Services will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 .m. A private burial with military honors will be held a Central Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in King, WI on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com