DARLENE SWARTZ

Darlene Louise Swartz, daughter of Marinus and Carrie Anina (Petersen) Paulsen, was born on Dec. 28, 1933, on her family farm in Jack Creek Township, near Ringsted, Iowa. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 16, 2021, at Good Samaritan Home in Estherville, Iowa, at the age of 87.

Darlene went to first and second grade at Jack Creek Country School. In March 1940, the family moved and she attended Halfa Consolidated School until ninth grade. At that time, she attended and graduated from Ringsted High School in 1951. Darlene then attended Estherville Junior College and graduated with an associate degree. She taught school at Lake Center in Dickens, Iowa, from 1953-1954. From 1954 until 1960, she taught first grade in Graettinger. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in 1961 from Buena Vista College, and went on to teach in Fairmont, Minnesota, for the next two years.

On August 18, 1963, she was united in marriage to Leonard W. Swartz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ringsted. The couple made their home on a dairy farm near Maple Hill. Darlene spent most of her time raising their four children. After the children were older, she returned to school to renew her teaching certificate and was a substitute teacher in many area schools. She served as the head cook at Ingham Lake Bible Camp in Wallingford, Iowa. Darlene also had her own cleaning service, cleaning for many area residents.

Darlene’s faith and passing it onto her children was the most important part of her life. She was a member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and later United Lutheran Church of Ringsted. She was a past Sunday school teacher and was active in the Bible studies. She was also a member of the Gideons. Knitting, reading, and gardening brought additional joy to Darlene’s life. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Darlene is survived by her children Sheryl (Dean) Christensen of Des Moines, David (Amanda) Swartz of Maple Hill, Deanna (Richard) Meyer of Manson, and Vickie Swartz of Urbandale; and 10 grandchildren: Laura (Nathan) Lane, Dayna Christensen, David Christensen, Dillon Lundgren, Danica Lundgren, Delaney Lundgren, Zoey Swartz, Dylan Meyer, Logan Meyer, and Emily Meyer. She is also survived by her siblings Berdine Paulsen, Mavis (Ralph) Evans, Louise Rochleau, Agnes Hughes, Esther Paulsen and James (Mary) Paulsen, sister-in-law Patti Paulsen, brother-in-law Albert (Carol) Swartz, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Leonard, brother Gerald Paulsen, and brothers-in-law Roger Rochleau and Vincent Hughes.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral. com.