Obituary of Darlene Emma Kasper

Darlene Emma Kasper, age 86, passed away June 8, 2023, in Iowa City.

Darlene’s family will receive guests at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service (2720 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City) for a funeral service on Thursday, June 15, at 11 am.  A time of gathering will precede the service from 10-11 am.  Darlene will be laid to rest following the service at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.

Darlene was born September 21, 1936 in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Leland and Ruth (Malmberg) Smith.  Darlene was a strong willed, organized woman who kept a clean house.  She loved baking, especially around the holidays, and was known for the quality of her kolaches.  She enjoyed taking the family on weekend camping trips.  Holidays were very important to her.  She loved decorating for Christmas and had many pieces from Department 56 that she treasured.  She would do full spreads of baked goods for Thanksgiving that she had lovingly made.  She enjoyed gardening and scrapbooking.  She also had a very competitive streak when it came to family game night and playing cards.  Darlene had a strong spirit and will be missed deeply.

Darlene’s family include her children, Randy (Dawn) Kasper, Vicki (the late Gary) Metz, and Monte (Cindy) Kasper; grandchildren, Brandon (Alicia) Kasper, Melana Kasper, Torri Metz, Daniel Metz, Travis (Carrie) Kasper, and Heather (Eric) Duhachek; great grandchildren, Meredith Kasper, Owen Kasper, Harper Klein, Landon and Lenny Duhachek.  Sadly, Darlene is preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; siblings, Dale, Duaine, and Darrel; and her parents, Leland and Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or Care Initiative Hospice.