Darlene Struve

DARLENE MAE STRUVE

Vinton

Darlene Mae Struve, 73, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at the Vinton Lutheran Home from complications of ovarian cancer. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at the church with a luncheon to follow. Graveside services will be held at a later date with the immediate family. Phillips Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Darlene was born in Vinton, Iowa, on April 28, 1944, the daughter of Lenard and Bernadette (Weiland) Lewis. She received her education from the Vinton school system. On Sept. 16, 1961, she was united in marriage to Kenneth E. Struve in Vinton. She was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, worked at Simon's clothing store for 32 years and in Vinton-Shellsburg High School food service for 13 years. She was a member of the Wesley Methodist Church for 40 years.

Darlene was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in activities and sporting events. She was known as Grandma Struve to many of her grandchildren's classmates. She was an amazing cook and her specialty was making homemade pies. She enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Holiday Lake with her family and friends and tending to her flower garden.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Ken; daughter, Shirale (John) Hanson, and son, Jim (Jill) Struve, all of Vinton; grandchildren, Andy (friend Samantha Avalos), Rob (Emily) and Kate Hanson, Carson, Kacie (fiance Max Griffith) and Nathan Struve; brother, Lloyd (Donna) Lewis of Cedar Rapids; twin sister, Donna (Roger) Higgins of Mount Auburn; and many nieces and nephews.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.