The family of Darlene Koehler, age 72, of Cresco, Iowa, is saddened at the passing of their wonderful and loving mother, beloved grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, and aunt. She died Thursday, June 9, 2011, at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend Robert Thacker will officiate, with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation with the family present will be held at the church on Monday from 5-7 p.m.
Born May 5, 1939, near Plymouth, Iowa, Darlene Violet (Cook) Koehler was the youngest of six children born to James Clarence and Viola Mabel (Harris) Cook. She was united in marriage to Duane R. Koehler in Kankakee, Illinois on June 11, 1958. The couple made their home and raised their family in Joliet, Illinois, until 1975, then moved to a farm south of Cresco, Iowa. Darlene was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Cresco, where she was active in her circle. She was a "Martha"-type Christian who will be remembered as a good and decent woman taken to her rest. She also served on the Howard County Farm Bureau Women's Committee.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Duane on October 9, 2010; a daughter, Barbara Schroeder; an infant son, Richard; a grandson, Dylan; her parents; three brothers, Clarence, Arnold, and Kenneth; and a sister, Luella.
Survivors include three daughters, Bonnie Schroeder of Marshalltown, Penny (Scott) Schroeder of Richardson, TX, and Pam Sowers of Marshalltown; a son-in-law, Don Schroeder of Winona, MN; ten grandchildren; and a brother, Delos (Dee) Cook of Mason City; as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Darlene's legacy of dedication and devotion lives on in her children along with her gift of joy through family love and unity. Her life stands as a testament to her hard work, leadership, and the unlimited potential of her loving spirit. Blessed be her memory.