Darlene J. Stratmann

April 7, 1947 - March 25, 2011

Darlene JoAnn Stratmann entered the gates of heaven at the age of 63 years on March 25, 2011 at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. She was born April 7, 1947 to Clarence and Evelyn (Burkley) Stratmann. Beginning at a very tender age, she suffered through many health problems. Darlene attended St. Paul's Lutheran Parochial School in Latimer and was confirmed in the Lutheran Faith in April of 1961, then attended CAL Community High School the next four years. She was committed to be a servant of the Lord and completed her formal education at Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. Darlene taught parochial school in Oakland, California, Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Fairbault, Minnesota for a total of 8 years. After endless surgeries she was forced to leave the profession she loved and later was employed at FGH for 18 years in various positions. Her nieces and nephews were the love of her life and filled a huge void. Darlene loved to read, was talented in sewing and crafts, and was gifted in making computer generated cards and constructing a computer manual which became very useful to fellow workers. She continued to witness her Faith by sending inspirational messages to many acquaintances going through challenges in life, while coping with her own. Shadows came when she was diagnosed with MS in 1997. Darlene entered Assisted Living in 2000 and the Nursing Facility a few years later. She is survived by her mother Evelyn Stratmann of Hampton, brother Darrell (Bev) Stratmann of Hampton, twin brother Donald (Mary) Stratmann of Ankeny, sister LuAnn (Robert) Foss of Riceville, nieces Angela (Chris) Petersen, Darcy Stratmann, nephews Brian Foss, Jared Foss and Jason Foss, step nephews Jade Liska and Chad Liska and a great nephew Trevor Petersen. Darlene was preceded in death by her father Clarence Stratmann. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery.