Darlene Buckley peacefully passed away in the early hours of January 9, 2024, at the age of 94, due to natural causes. Her daughters, Linda, and Rhonda were honored to be by her side at Windsor Manor of Indianola, her place of residence, where she loved and was loved by many. During her last days she was attended to by staff, the hospice team, and her family.
Darlene was the first born to Charlie and Edna Norberg on April 26, 1929, in Des Moines and was the older sister to her only brother, Charles. She grew up in Des Moines, graduated from East High School, and was married in 1950 to Gene Buckley. Together they had two beloved daughters, Linda, and Rhonda. Prudential Insurance was her first place of employment, followed by Meredith Burda Publishing, where she was employed until her retirement. She enjoyed her job and her life of 67 years with Gene: going to church, McDonald’s, Donut King, traveling and, most of all, just spending time with her family. She always enjoyed chatting with anyone, listening to music, staying active, doing crafts, and playing games like tic-tac-toe, spoons, and cards. Darlene had great style, was silly, strong, sassy, fun, courageous, warm, engaging, full of gratitude and humility, gave her best, and had a way of making a person feel welcome and special. She will be missed greatly and remembered fondly by those who were blessed to have known her.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Buckley; parents, Charlie, and Edna Norberg; stepfather, Clarence Anderson; and cousin, Robert Sundberg.
She is survived by her brother, Charles Norberg (Ginny); nephews, Scott Norberg (Jill) and Dave Norberg (Heather); her daughters, Linda, and Rhonda Moore (Mike); her five grandchildren, Alec (Emily), Allison, Moriah Bartee (Hank), Marissa, and Audrey; and her first cousin’s sons (first cousins once removed), Hollis and Bobby Sundberg.
In honor of Darlene, please send memorials to the family or Windsor Manor of Indianola, 608 S 15th St, Indianola.
The funeral will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Monday, February 5 at 11:00 AM, with a luncheon immediately following the service. Visitation and an opportunity to see Darlene and visit with family will be 10:30 am until service time. Her committal service will be at 2:00 PM at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery, 4400 Merle Hay Rd in Des Moines.
If you are unable to make the funeral, you can go to: https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/specialevents/ and view it online.