Darlene J. Bartels, formerly of Maquoketa, passed away December 24, 2021 at the Denver Sunset Home, in Denver, Iowa.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on December 29, 2021 at the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa with burial at the Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service at the Church.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is in charge of arrangements.

Darlene J. Bartels was born April 3, 1934 in Iowa City, the daughter of Henry and Lucy (Flagel) Bartels. She graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1953. She resided with her parents and was a devoted caregiver during their lifetimes.

Darlene was always grateful for her brother Galen’s help and advice, They started school together in first grade, however, togetherness was short lived. Darlene cried if Galen didn’t do well in class so the teacher separated them which broke Darlene’s heart. Galen won out in the end because Darlene was able to hold his hand while walking home from school.

Darlene always worked outside her home starting with babysitting at an early age, then working as a receptionist/dental assistant for Drs. Dalchow and Richael for 33 years and 10 years as a bus dispatcher/route assistant for the Jackson County Regional Transit Authority. She volunteered several years at Maquoketa Community Services and the Jackson County Senior Citizens Center. Darlene was a lifelong and dedicated member of the First Lutheran Church, first as a Sunday school teacher and later serving on the altar guild for many years.

Darlene had an active circle of friends and enjoyed eating out, shopping, and occasional trips to the casino.

In 2016 Darlene suffered a severe stroke. After hospitalization she moved to an apartment in Denver under the care of her nephew Brian (Kathy) Bartels. Her thoughtfulness and affection for family members was genuine and she was always happy to go shopping, eat out, and enjoyed outings for pizza and ice cream.

She later moved to the Denver Sunset Home where she was close to family members. Birthday and holiday celebrations were important to her and she enjoyed spending time with all of them on family occasions.

Those left to cherish her memories are her brother Galen (Donna) Bartels, nephew Brian (Kathy) Bartels, niece Linda (Dietrich) Heyde of Elk Rapids, MI., great nephews, Derrick Bartels, Andrew (Jessica) Bartels, Logan Heyde, great nieces, Lauren Heyde and Katelyn Bartels, great-great nieces, Harper Bartels and Nova Bartels and great-great nephew, Hudson Bartels. Darlene’s family especially want to thank Brian and Kathy Bartels for the assistance, compassion and love shown to Darlene while under their care.

Memorials may be given to the First Lutheran Church or to a charity of donor’s choice.

Online condolences maybe left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.