Obituary of Darlene Kroese

Memorial Tribute Darlene Thelma Kroese, daughter of Otto and Nettie (Clarksean) Strenge, was born October 21, 1924 on a farm two miles south of Cloverdale, IA. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith on December 21, 1924 by Rev. George Goeken, and confirmed April 10, 1938 at the American Lutheran Church at Melvin, IA. Darlene attended country school at Cloverdale #5 through the 8th Grade, then completed her education at Melvin Consolidated School in Melvin, graduating on May 14th with the class of 1941. Following graduation, Darlene clerked at Jobes Grocery in Melvin for four years. On December 3, 1945, Rev. Goeken presided over her marriage to Mr. Martin Kroese of Sanborn, IA at Worthington, MN. To this union were born five children: Rodney Lee, Reggie Ray, Rexann Larae, Nancy Kay, and Brian Wayne. Marty and Darlene made their home in Sanborn and raised their family there. Along with tending to the needs of her husband and growing children, Darlene was also employed for over 30 years at Sanborn Drug, later, the DeBoer Pharmacy. The family moved their membership to St. John's Lutheran Church in Sanborn in 1951, and Darlene remained active in church activities throughout the years. When Martin passed away on December 30, 1987, and Reggie in October 1977, Darlene found comfort in her strong faith and loving family. She remained a constant guide and a positive force for those who knew and loved her. In 2012, Darlene made a new home at Prairie View in Sanborn. With her kind nature and positive outlook, she made many friends, and enjoyed all the activities offered, as well as visits from her kids, grandchildren, and old friends she'd known for years. On Monday, December 5, 2016, Darlene passed from this life at the age of 92. Preceding her in death were her parents, Otto and Nettie Strenge; her husband, Marty; son, Reggie; granddaughter, Shelly Fitting; sisters: LaVonne Larson and June Elaine Folkers; and her brother, Waynard Strenge. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Rodney (Dorothy) Kroese of Ellsworth, MN and her grandchildren: Jill (Brian), B.J (Lisa) and great-great-grandson, Cayden, Justin (Emily), Noah, Elijah, Julie (Darren), children - Molly, Daniel (Brenna), Hannah, Samuel, Timothy, Jean (Andy), children - Micah, Zachary, Nathaniel, Gabriel, Ezra, Jonah, Reggie's family: Pam, children - Dalton, Bryer, Amy (Mike), children - Matt, Jake, Merri Jo, children - John, Korrina, Rexann (Bill) Brant of Paullina, IA and her family: Jennifer (Steve), children - Tyler, Samantha, Joe (Faith), children - Clayton, Gavin, Sofia, Jamey (Paul), children - Cole, Skyler, Makenna, Jeff (Kristen), children - Jackson, Allison, Ethan, Carson, Nancy (Keith) Iverson of Sanborn, IA and their family: Betheny (Brian), children - Amber (Chase), Caleb, Jenna, Brent (Nikki), children - Heather, Alyssa, Emmy, Braydie, Shannon (Brian), children - Baden, Kaelee, Kirsten, Crystal, Aaron, Shane (Lanea), children - Joie, Samuel, Aubrey, Brian (Debbie) Kroese of Alvarado, MN and their family: Heidi (Scott), children - Oksana, Derek, Colton, Grayson, Haley (Aaron), children - Jaiden, Carter, Ryan (Samantha), child - Easton; sister, Bonnie Klosterman of Sibley, IA; sisters-in-law: Beverly Strenge of George, IA, and Evelyn Morton of Rock Rapids, IA; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life Darlene T. Kroese Born ~ October 21, 1924 Died ~ December 5, 2016 Age ~ 92 years 1 month 14 days MEMORIAL SERVICE Thursday, December 8, 2016 11:00 a.m. St. John's Lutheran Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Joseph Bangert Organist ~ Steven Berntson Congregational Singing "How Great Thou Art" #801 "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" #770 "The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want" #710 Pallbearers Joe Leng Jeff Leng Shane Elgersma Brent Elgersma Brian Kruse Brian Buren Honorary Pallbearers Ryan Kroese Darren Kramer Mike Larson Brian Letsche Steve LeClair Scott Corzine Aaron Holter Andy Onken Ushers Les Storm ~ Roger Brinkert Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, Iowa