Darla Jean Gilliland

Darla Jean Gilliland, 69, of Plum City, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, in her home surrounded by her loving family. Darla had bravely battled a glioblastoma diagnosed in June of 2024.

Darla was welcomed into the world on October 24, 1956, to Add A. and Evelyn (Hoffman) Coburn at the Plum City Hospital. She grew up right in Plum City and graduated from Plum City High School in 1974. After graduation, she began working at the Red Wing Care Center. She later went on to work at Jostens and eventually found her way to DB Industries (3M). After many dedicated years of hard work, Darla retired from 3M in Red Wing - located in the very same building where she had once worked for Jostens - on March 3, 2023.

Darla married Jeffrey Freund on July 7, 1977, and together they welcomed two daughters, Ashley and Molly. The two later divorced. While working at Jostens, Darla met the love of her life, James. The two were married on December 14, 1996 - an unforgettably snowy day. Together, Darla and Jim raised a blended family of five children. Through the years came many weddings and grandchildren, including the four-legged kind that were always spoiled with love. None, however, were as spoiled as their beloved shepherd, Willard. Darla and Willie were known to share bags of chips and dip while Jim was out driving truck.

A lifelong resident of Plum City, Darla was known for her remarkable memory and her extensive knowledge of the families who lived in town. She loved crafting, flowers, mowing, and creating beautiful things. She especially treasured the ceramics and clothing she made during her school years. Her warm personality and charismatic laugh will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Darla is preceded in death by her father, Add; her mother, Evelyn; her grandparents; and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim; her daughters Ashley (Matt) Haflund and Molly Freund; her stepchildren Jerriane (Jeremy) Johnson, Jessa Hayden, and Jamison Gilliland; her sister, Lita Fredrickson; as well as her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Molly’s on Main in Plum City on January 10, 2026, from 1 - 5 p.m. A private burial at the Stockholm Moravian Cemetery will happen at a later date.