Darlene De Smet

Larchwood, Iowa 

Darlene De Smet age 86, of Larchwood, IA died Sunday, October 20, 2019 at her home in Larchwood, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood, IA with Fr. Francis Makwinja celebrating. Burial will follow at Larchwood City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 24^th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be a vigil at 7:00 PM.

Darlene De Smet was born September 22, 1933 in Rock Rapids to Frank and Catherine (Kelly) Schulte. She was raised in Rock Rapids and graduated from Wilson High School in Rock Rapids.

After graduating, Darlene went on to study nursing in Pierre, SD. Darlene married Alvin De Smet on October 25, 1952. They made their home in Sioux Falls, SD for 6 years and moved to Larchwood, making their home in town, and eventually moving to their acreage in 1969. Throughout her life, Darlene kept busy with raising her children, helping with work on the acreage, and helping out with the family business. Later in life, she also worked as a bus driver for Area 4.

She enjoyed traveling, especially taking bus trips to places like Canada, Boston, Branson and Colorado. She also enjoyed sewing and even made wedding dresses. She also loved watching birds. Darlene was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Her faith and her church were very important to her. But most important to Darlene was her family. She adored having a large family.

She is survived by her children, daughter, Deb (Mark) De Boer of Storm Lake, IA, sons, David (Sherry) De Smet of Larchwood, IA, Wayne De Smet of Arvada, CO, daughters, Carolyn (Mitch) Weiss of Mason, City, IA, Pam (David) Morris of Arvada, CO, Sharon (Terry) Wiese of Ellsworth, IA, sons, Tony (Jodi) De Smet of Larchwood, IA, and Joe De Smet of Rock Valley, IA; daughter-in-law, Joan De Smet of Brandon, SD; 22 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband of nearly 56 years, Alvin De Smet; son, Barry De Smet, sister, Cleone Menage and brother, Jim Schulte.