Darlene graduated in 1961 from the University of Nebraska, Omaha with a B.S. in Home Economics and used her degree in many ways throughout her life. She was a Home Agent at both Platte and Merrick Counties, a teacher of beginning sewing techniques at Southeast Community College and a 4-H clothing construction judge at many County Fairs across Nebraska and at the Nebraska State Fair. She was an accomplished seamstress, avid gardener and lover of domestic travel (particularly loved airplane rides!).
Darlene was an independent woman with a strong faith system and a calling to help others. She volunteered her entire life in various ways and in 2006, rallied her Sewing Guild club to start an annual mitten-making effort to help children in the LPS Head Start program have mittens to go outside for recess. The effort has continued for nearly 20 years and this year, the club will distribute over 300 mittens to 5 schools in the Lincoln area. She worked as a Para in the Head Start program for the Lincoln Public Schools and continued to volunteer at the schools after her retirement.
Darlene will be missed by many friends, neighbors and family but is finally at peace.
Services will be held on Friday, September 26th at 4:00 PM at Roper & Sons Mortuary at 4300 O Street in Lincoln.
A family-only burial will take place on Saturday, September 27th in Omaha.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church at 1144 M. Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.