Mullen, Darlene (Schrader)

Darlene (Schrader) Mullen, 76, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Guernsey, died Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center, with her family at her side.

Surviving to honor her memory are her children, Kathryn (Gary) Froehlich, Brad (Linda) Mullen and Janelle (Kevin) Dvorak; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Beverly (Lester) Young; and a precious dog, Charlie.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Verna (Platt) Schrader, who she had welcomed into her home and cared for in the last 20 years of their lives. Two half brothers, Marlyn and Merrill Schrader, also preceded her in death.

Darlene was born and raised in Guernsey, Iowa, and graduated from Guernsey High School. She and her family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1965. In those early years, she was a sales representative for 3M Company, a desk clerk at Montrose Hotel and a secretary at Cedar Rapids Block.

She was a kind, thoughtful and loving mother; always thinking of her family first. She interacted with her family daily, and her grandchildren loved her silly singing and cherish the songs she sang. Her warm and friendly smile will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Private services will be held for family. Burial will be in Guernsey.

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