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DEWITT, IA--Mrs. Darlene J. Yonker, 93, of DeWitt, Iowa, and formerly Marshall, Minnesota, died early Monday morning, August 24, 2026, at Maggie's House Assisted Living, DeWitt.
The former Darlene Joan Lemburg was born October 8, 1932, at Holstein, Iowa, to Herbert Wilhelm and Margearette Kathleen Minnie (Hoops) Lemburg. After a few years, her mother was remarried to a farmer by the name of Orville Wirt. They had two additional children, Connie and Garry.
Growing up during the Great Depression, the family did not have much, but they made the best of what they had. Darlene remembers her grandparents as hardworking Germans who helped shape her strong values. As a child, Darlene's responsibilities included washing dishes, cleaning the house and gathering corn cobs to fuel the fireplace. Darlene and her siblings attended Lake Benton Public Schools in Lake Benton, Minnesota, where she especially enjoyed English class. Some of Darlene's fondest childhood memories include spending time with her brother and sister and accompanying her mother on shopping trips to town. While in high school, she met a young man who was a Navy veteran through a friend in Lake Benton. Their first date was to the movies, and the relationship quickly blossomed. Darlene graduated from Lake Benton High School in the Spring of 1950, and on her eighteenth birthday, October 8, 1950, the couple were married at Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church in Elkton, South Dakota.
Following their marriage, Darlene and Leonard made their home in Hayward, Wisconsin. There, they were blessed with a daughter, Kathy. Leonard worked for the telephone and electric companies. In 1952, the family moved to Luverne, Minnesota, and then to Marshall, Minnesota in 1954. Leonard served as an Electrical Line Foreman for the City of Marshall, while Darlene was employed by Coast To Coast Hardware and JC Penny until retirement. Throughout the years, Darlene enjoyed hand stitching, shopping and visiting flea markets.
In retirement Darlene and Leonard moved to New Franklin, Missouri, in 1988, where they resided for eight years. In 1996 they returned to the Marshall area, residing in Milroy, Minnesota. Leonard preceded Darlene in death June 22, 2016. After staying in Minnesota for a few more years, Darlene moved to DeWitt to be closer to her daughter and family.
Her family includes, her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Bill Stahmer of Long Grove, Iowa; her granddaughter, Sara Stahmer of Muldrow, Oklahoma; her sister, Connie Storjohann of New Franklin, Missouri; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her brother, Garry Wirt.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Darlene's daughter, Kathy would like to extend her most sincere appreciation to the Maggie's House Assisted Living. You are all treasured greatly and your love, wonderful care and kindness will never be forgotten. Also, with the assistance of St. Croix Hospice, Darlene continued to reside at Maggie's with dignity and comfort in her final days.
Condolences may be expressed at ackermancares.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Ackerman Funeral Directors & Cremation Service. (563) 659-8574.