Lidvall-Stevenson, Darlene (McGinnis)

Darlene (McGinnis) Lidvall-Stevenson was born Dec. 4, 1928 in Shenandoah, Iowa, to Cleo and Olga Rosella McGinnis. She lived while growing up in various Iowa towns: Coin, Durant, Weldon, Orient, Oskasloosa, and Boxholm, where her father was a teacher and school superintendent. Darlene graduated from Boxholm High School in 1946, and entered the University of Iowa the following fall in the College of Liberal Arts and later the School of Nursing.

In August of 1949, she married John Lidvall in Wyoming, Iowa. They made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the next 60 years. Two children were born of this union, Steven John and David Glenn. Her husband, John, died in 2009.

Darlene was employed in the early years as a dental assistant. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church where she served on various committees. She also was a former member of P.E.O., and the “Indian Creek Questers” and enjoyed searching for, and studying, antique items. She was a volunteer at Cross Roads Mission and St. Luke's Hospital. Her greatest love was her home and family. A book club was formed with several of her close friends.

In January of 2011, Darlene married Norman Stevenson, who survives.

Also surviving are sons, Steven (Cindy), and David (Beth) Lidvall; seven grandchildren, Stacy, John (Michelle), Bradley (Maddie), Benjamin, Jacob, Daniel, and Rebecca; her brother, Thomas McGinnis; and two great-granddaughters, Addison and Ellie.

Services will be held at First Lutheran Church on Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Dr. Kay Slocum and the Rev. Craig Brown officiating. There will be a visitation at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home held on Monday, July 1, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorials may be given in Darlene's name to Cottage Grove Place or First Lutheran Church.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Stevenson family on our website, under Obituaries.

Published June 29, 2013, in The Gazette