Jean Darr
October 17, 2011
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Service Details
Jean (Halverson) Darr was born on September 3, 1925 to Norwegian immigrants John and Bertha Halverson. Jean was raised in Eagle Grove, Iowa. She moved to Des Moines in September 1943 to attend the American Institute of Business (AIB).
After graduating from college, she worked at Board of Control for two years. April 11, 1949 she started with the Max Holmes Agency as a secretary, which is now known as Holmes Murphy & Associates. She married Robert E. Darr on September 2, 1950. In 1989, Jean retired after 40 years of service with Holmes Murphy as a corporate executive secretary.
Jean was involved in many organizations throughout her life. She was an active member of the Highland Park Christian church, serving on the church Scholarship Committee, Memorial Committee, and Chairman of the Deacons. She belonged to the Daughters of the Nile, AACA of America, AACA of Des Moines, Grand View Women’s Golf League, Force One Insurance, Nobelles-Shrine Widows Club, Za-Ga-Zig Ladies Hospitality Auxiliary, Central Iowa Model A Club, and Executive Women’s International. She also devoted time to Hospice of Central Iowa and loved attending car club and Za-Ga-Zig Shrine events with her husband. Jean was also very proud of her Norwegian heritage.
Her interests and hobbies included family, golfing, reading and watching sporting events. Jean was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes. Jean was often noted for ranking high in her NCAA pools and loved filling out her bracket sheets.
Mrs. Darr is survived by her son, Russ (Connie) Darr; step-daughter, Alice (Jim) Underfer; sister, Ardi Watrous of Colorado; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and brothers, Harold (Pauline), Salmer (Clara), and Clarence (Mary).
A visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 20, 2011, followed by a 7 p.m. funeral service at Highland Park Christian Church, 4260 NW 6th Drive, Des Moines. A private graveside service will be Friday, October 21, at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be given to the Highland Park Christian Church.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Julie Hempel
10/25/2011
Russ and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a vibrant woman and she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go to your family.
Julie and Matt Hempel
Jeff Smith
10/21/2011
i remember the Darr family from back in the Little League Days during the late 1960's.....they were really fine people.....and i remember Russ from high school golf...a simple joy to have good memories of good people
Theresa Larson
10/21/2011
Dear Russ,
Wow, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My parents, Ed and Patricia Howe informed me of your loss. My thoughts go back to the Model A days. My family was involved and that is where I knew your mom and dad. When I heard about your mother's passing, I went back about 50 years, I pictured her in my mind and she was such a beautiful lady and loved people.
We send our condolences to you and your family.
Theresa Larson (fka Terri Howe)
Patrica Howe and
Leo Edward Howe
May God be with you in this time of need.
Shari (Lien) Olson
10/20/2011
Russ--
My sympathies go out to you and your family in the loss of your Mother.
I have so many dear memories of both her and your Dad. May you keep these close to your heart to help you through these most difficult times. Once again, they are reunited.
Be at peace.
Sincerely,
Shari
Traci (Runyon) Thompson
10/20/2011
My sympathy to your entire family. Jean was a truly wonderful woman - full of life and always so kind-hearted. I remember her fondly. My condolences to you all - it's a great loss.
Roberta Johns
10/20/2011
I worked with Jean at Holmes, Murphy for about 30 years. She was there when I first started in 1969. She took me under her wing and helped me many times. I remember when I first started that she loved playing cards at Noon in the lunch room. She encouraged me when I had to fill in for her as a corporate secretary when I was scared to death! She was always a special person during those years and I will remember her always. She was the rock at Holmes, Murphy and we all loved her.
Jan (Johnson) Wollenhaupt
10/20/2011
a message for Ardith (sister of Jean) I assume the "Ardi Watrous is the girl I knew as Ardith. I graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1947 with Ardith (sp. with i or e?) and I had a brother, Curtiss, who graduated in 1941 (so he could have been in the class with Jean). I knew Ardith well - and wanted to send my sympathy to her and to Jean's family. I have not had any contact with the family since high school; I recognized the Halverson name in the DSM Register. I now live in DSM - last week, Mona Dersheid Knutson saw me at an open house and introduced herself. This may be a "bit out of place" message for a condolence message; so please be understanding. I loved Jean's picture and obituary - yes, she was a neat and attractive lady. Ardith, my email address is jankari@iowatelecom.net
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Jan (Janet Johnson) Wollenhaupt
Basil & Linda Dawson
10/19/2011
In addition to being a great corporate secretary for Holmes Murphy, Jean was a classy person. Over 40 years of Holmes Murphy history is lost with the passing of Jean. Everyone will miss her smiling face and great attitude. We are sorry that we will be unable to attend the service due to a previously scheduled surgery that day.
Our heartfelt condolences.
Basil& Linda Dawson
Marilyn Hull Corbin
10/19/2011
Dear Russ and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. My mother also just died in January, 2011, so I share your grief.
But remember all the happy times and fond memories and your mother will live on in your hearts forever.
Take care and God Bless,
Marilyn Hull Corbin (NHS 1971)
Rob Garver
10/19/2011
Jean was a very special person who saw the best in everyone. She was fun loving and extremely intelligent. I have such fond memories going back to little league with Russ and times spent around Jean and Bob. Right now Bob has his soul mate back in the front seat of the Chevy with the top down and a big smile on his face. God bless you Jean Darr. Those of us that knew you were lucky.
Terri Voegtlin Kane
10/19/2011
Russ and family, I was sorry to read about your Mom. Know we are thinking of you at this time. With Sympathy, The Kanes