Darlene Ann (Goodall) Burke

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Immaculate Conception in Petersville, IA.

To the world you are a Mother,

but to your Family you are the world.

- unknown

For Darlene, her family was the light of her life.  She was that energizer-bunny type person who never missed a family activity.  Spunky, compassionate, in charge and always moving were descriptors of this fiery little red head with a smile.

Darlene Ann (Mrs. Stephen) Burke, 80, of Charlotte, Iowa, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday afternoon, May 9, 2020, in the comfort of her home.

Darlene Ann Goodall was born August 27, 1939, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Hiram and Vivian Spain Goodall.  She was a 1957 graduate of Delmar High School where she enjoyed playing basketball.  Darlene went on to earn her x-ray technician degree from Mercy in Iowa City.   On September 9th, 1961 she married Stephen Burke at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Delmar, IA.  The couple farmed in rural Charlotte, Iowa, for the next 58 years where they raised their family.  Darlene worked at Barnes Foodland, DeWitt Community Hospital for many years and for ORA and Drs. Kreiter and Lindemann.

Service and faithfulness was truly her gift and calling.

Darlene was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Petersville, where she was a faithful servant, volunteering in the Alter & Rosary and caring for the church.    Darlene’s family was always first. She and Steve raised their six children on their farm, and she was their nucleus – always knowing where they were and what they were doing.   Darlene was a great cook and you’d often find her in the kitchen creating her famous apple or rhubarb cake.

She will be remembered for the lifelong gifts she leaves for all: faith in God, love of family, respect and compassion.   She had a great devotion to the rosary which she prayed every day.  In all the ways she served, being a wife, mother and grandmother were her most cherished roles.   A great joy to her was attending her grandchildren’s events and activities.  She was happiest when surrounded by her family.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Steve; children, Matthew (Susan) of DeWitt, Lisa (Loras) Martin of Charlotte, Jason of Delmar, Gail (Brady) Fowler of Gilbert, AZ,  Molly of Mesa, AZ, and Megan of Preston; grandchildren, Samantha (Mike Hughes) Burke, Shelby (Brian Jansen) Burke, Madison Burke, Will Martin, Jadyn Fowler, Tyler Fowler and Jaelyn McNeil; a  sister, Joanne Guise. Also surviving are her in-laws, Sr. Donna Burke, Jim and Maurita Burke, Jack Burke, Sr. Francis Burke, Ruth Burke, and Mary Clare Wendel.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Veronica and Bill Power, Charles and Clarice Goodall, and in-laws, John Guise, George and Jean Burke, Jerry Burke, Elvira Burke, Don Wendel, Mary Ann Burke, Bill and Pat Burke, and Donald Burke.

Darlene’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

A Public Graveside Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 23, 2020, at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Petersville, with Deacon Mike Sheil officiating.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt.

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