Darlene J. O’Rourke, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 2, 2026, in her home with her children who loved her dearly.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Family and friends may gather at 9:00 a.m. until time of mass. Entombment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery with her husband, Patrick. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family. A livestream of her funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Darlene Josephine O’Rourke was born in Dubuque, Iowa on February 18, 1933, the daughter of Peter and Adeline LeConte. She was raised on a farm with three brothers and one sister.

Darlene married her love of her life Patrick W. O’Rourke on September 12th, 1953, at St. Joseph Key West Church. He preceded her in death on January 25, 2021. Darlene was a hard worker and a wonderful mother.

She is survived by her children: Steve, Patty, Janice, Carol, Mary, Michelle, David, Mark, Joe, Renee, Tonya, Sarah, and Russ. Additionally, she leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her brother Leonard (Doris) LeConte, and her brother-in-law Paul O’Rourke of Las Vegas, NV.

She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Adeline; her husband, Patrick; her sister, Mary Jane (LeConte) O’Rourke; two brothers, Richard (Anna Mae) and Loras (Mary Jane) LeConte; as well as her sister-in-law, Kate O’Rourke (Cecil) Hightower.

Darlene requested no flowers; donations can be addressed to Albrecht Acres or Camp Courageous.

Thank you to the wonderful staff of Hospice of Dubuque (the East Team) for taking care of our mom and our dad.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die. We never lose those we give to GOD.

One of Darlene’s favorite sayings, “Stop and smell the roses”. In her honor, we invite you to take a moment from your busy day and “Stop and smell the roses.”