Darlene June Wilson

Our loving mother, Darlene June Wilson, 88, joined our father, Darrell Wilson, in heaven on May 16, 2015.

Darlene was born September 22, 1926 on a farm near Coon Rapids, Iowa to Berthal and Opal Teter. Her love of learning led to earning a teacher’s certificate and teaching country school seven miles south of Coon Rapids.

In September of 1946, Darlene met a tall handsome brown-eyed man named Darrell Wilson. She was 20 and he was 24. After a whirlwind courtship, they married on February 27, 1947. All they could afford for Darlene’s wedding ring was a $7 gold band, but they were happy. Without their parents’ knowledge, flowers, photos or guests, they were secretly married at the Christian Church in Jefferson, Iowa. This was the beginning of over 42 years of marriage. Darlene and Darrell lived in Coon Rapids, Jefferson and Des Moines, Iowa throughout their married life together.

Darlene had a lifelong love of gardening and cooking. Her gift of hospitality meant no one was ever turned away from her table. We fondly remember eating her hamburger stew, beef roast with potatoes and carrots, homemade strawberry jam and cakes with peanut butter chocolate frosting. For years she ran a food pantry out of her home for friends, family and people in need.

Darlene loved the Lord and didn’t just quote the Bible, she lived its teachings. In her later years, many called her Grandma. It wasn’t unusual for family and nursing staff to seek her wisdom in dealing with their problems. Everyone loved her; she gave unconditional love without boundaries or judgment.

Darlene is survived by her daughters Becky (David) Johnson, Linda Brown, Shelley (Cameron) Barnes, Janet Wilson, 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Her surviving siblings are Gene, Kenneth (Gladys), Donna Bylund, Dwayne (Rose), Dick (Faby), JoAnn Knowles and Sharon Crissey. Her sister, Pat Nielsen, preceded her in death. She will be missed by many friends, family and white fur ball puppy named Sir Dante.

Family will greet friends and family from 6-8 pm Friday, May 22, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, May 23 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to fund an addition to the garden area at Norwalk Nursing and Rehab in loving memory of Darlene.

Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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