Darlene B. Pitsenbarger
Darlene B. Pitsenbarger, 100, of Adel, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines. Visitation was Oct. 24 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel. Interment will be at the East Linn Cemetery in Redfield. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
Darlene was born April 6, 1924, in Waukee. She graduated first in her class of 26 at Waukee Community Schools. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) to become an elementary school teacher in Redfield for more than 20 years. She received her bachelor’s of education degree from Drake University in 1963.
She was married to Harold Dean Pitsenbarger for 58 years prior to his death on July 5, 2004. They raised two children, John LeRoy Pitsenbarger and Kay Ellen Vanags. Darlene continued to farm with her faithful business partner, Jim Thome, until her death. She took great pride in still having a garden and living on her farm. She lived to see the fruits of this year’s bountiful harvest.
Darlene, who hosted all the family’s holidays, enjoyed having her two children, their children and their children’s children gather at the farm. Her grandchildren are Stacey Pitsenbarger, Justin Pitsenbarger, Amanda Doherty, Christina Sheridan, Melinda Vanags and Elizabeth Jones, and her great-grandchildren are Jamien Williams, Jr., Xandria Berger, Ronnie Berger III, Andrew Millang, Riley Pitsenbarger, RaeLynn Pitsenbarger, Tyra Doherty (deceased), Justice Huff, Jasmine Doherty, Anthony and Rebecca Pitsenbarger. Darlene continued to welcome additional family members, Todd Sheridan, Micheal Jones, Deena Pitsenbarger and Jarrett Huff to her life. Nieces and nephews from afar helped round out her life and brought her much joy. Jim and Bobbi Thome, Jack and Carol Nelson, Cathy Clark, and Linda Miller helped her have a full life with stimulating and enjoyable conversation.
Memorials are suggested to the family to donate to Darlene’s favorite charities.
Darlene was born April 6, 1924, in Waukee. She graduated first in her class of 26 at Waukee Community Schools. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) to become an elementary school teacher in Redfield for more than 20 years. She received her bachelor’s of education degree from Drake University in 1963.
She was married to Harold Dean Pitsenbarger for 58 years prior to his death on July 5, 2004. They raised two children, John LeRoy Pitsenbarger and Kay Ellen Vanags. Darlene continued to farm with her faithful business partner, Jim Thome, until her death. She took great pride in still having a garden and living on her farm. She lived to see the fruits of this year’s bountiful harvest.
Darlene, who hosted all the family’s holidays, enjoyed having her two children, their children and their children’s children gather at the farm. Her grandchildren are Stacey Pitsenbarger, Justin Pitsenbarger, Amanda Doherty, Christina Sheridan, Melinda Vanags and Elizabeth Jones, and her great-grandchildren are Jamien Williams, Jr., Xandria Berger, Ronnie Berger III, Andrew Millang, Riley Pitsenbarger, RaeLynn Pitsenbarger, Tyra Doherty (deceased), Justice Huff, Jasmine Doherty, Anthony and Rebecca Pitsenbarger. Darlene continued to welcome additional family members, Todd Sheridan, Micheal Jones, Deena Pitsenbarger and Jarrett Huff to her life. Nieces and nephews from afar helped round out her life and brought her much joy. Jim and Bobbi Thome, Jack and Carol Nelson, Cathy Clark, and Linda Miller helped her have a full life with stimulating and enjoyable conversation.
Memorials are suggested to the family to donate to Darlene’s favorite charities.