Darlene K. Ahlers, 73, of Worthington, Iowa, passed away at her home Tuesday morning, February 5, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She made a valiant attempt at fighting her cancer.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. The Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa is assisting the family.
Darlene Kay (Tobin) Ahlers was born on June 7, 1945 in Worthington, Iowa, daughter of Alfred and Alma (Klein) Tobin. On April 4, 1964 she was united in marriage to Carey Ahlers of Farley, they were married at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, Iowa.

She had a great love for euchre and would say “I’m here to play.” Darlene enjoyed the casino’s, scratch offs and bingo, but most of all her family. Her personality was greater than life and her smile would light up a room. She worked at Ertl’s most of her life and created a special group of friends that played cards and dice. She also enjoyed spending time “junking” with her son Carey Ahlers Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Carey Ahlers of Worthington, IA, five children, Carey (Deana) Ahlers Jr. of Worthington, Curt (Angie) Ahlers and Crystal (Rick) Thompson both of Marion, Carmen (& friend, Rod Friedlein) of Dyersville and Cher (Craig) Brimeyer of Farley; 12 grandchildren, Ashley, Courtney, Dean, Josh, Jesse, Nicole, Tiffany, Tyler, Alivia, Brandon, Brooke and Ellie; 10 great grandchildren, Ariah, Bentley, Oliver, Selena, Mia, Jackson, Kennedy, Jaylinn, Rayne, and Ivy Rose. There are 2 step grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving sister, Margie Althoff of Manchester and her special friend and step sister, Jayne Ostwinkle, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Gladys (Robert) Jaeger, DelRose (Ernie) Ostwinkle and Shirley (Gilbert) Rave; brothers, Sylvester and Alfred Jr. (Anna Mae) Tobin; sister-in-law, Marcille (Laverne) Pins and Janice Geers; her brother-in-law, Clarence Althoff, Lawrence (Mary) Ahlers.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and visiting nurses and everyone for their prayers, food, cards and a special thank you to Julie Ostwinkle for her loving care and support that she has given to our family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com