Darlene Elsbernd

Darlene Elsbernd, age 83, died on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at her home in Calmar, IA. A memorial mass and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar. “masks and social distancing are encouraged” Services will be live streamed: www.facebook.com/CFOSparishes and www.youtube.com/user/frbobgross Darlene was born December 16, 1936 to Edward and Agnes Langreck in West Union, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm with three younger brothers LaVern, Jerry, and Billy. She attended grade school in St Lucas and graduated from St. Luke's High School in St. Lucas, Iowa. She was united in marriage with Paul Elsbernd on August 28, 1957 in St. Luke's Catholic Church in St. Lucas, Iowa. They settled on a farm outside of Calmar where they raised nine children. They were members of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church in Festina. After Paul passed away in 1997, Darlene remained on the family farm until moving to Calmar in 2005 with her daughter Geri. They then became members of St. Aloysius Church in Calmar. Darlene and Geri cared for Darlene's mother for 5 years before her passing and became involved in the Celiac Sprue group, where they made many friends. Darlene enjoyed seeing people, gardening and flowers. She canned and froze hundreds of jars and freezer boxes of food over the years. Her grandchildren particularly loved her strawberry jam. Darlene was known in her family for being lucky at winning raffles, way outdoing the curve. Darlene especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She played countless games of cards with them, hosted many pizza parties and holidays, and passed down many treasured family recipes. She was a gentle and giving soul and will be greatly missed by her family, which includes 23 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, with 1 more on the way. Darlene is survived by daughter, Jeannie (Don) Boyer and children: Matt (Liz) Boyer, Sydney, Cadence, and Quinn; Joey (Monica) Boyer, Adalynn, Claire, and Alaina; Jessica (Matt) Phillips and Morgan; and Christine (Jordan) Mitchell. Son, Don (Trish) Elsbernd and children: Liz (Ryan) Kruse, Carver and Kai and Jett; Eric (Sarah) Elsbernd, Graham and Lauren and Audie Mae on the way; Stephanie (Josh) Williams and Micah. Daughter, Geri. Son, Terry (Jane) Elsbernd and children: David (Kelly) Farley, Nick, Kaylie, and Alex; Amanda; Jeremy (Rachel) Elsbernd, Annabelle and Mackenzie and Baby #3. Son, Joe (Kathy) Elsbernd and children: Dylan, Bryce, and Colton. Son, Randy (Becky) Elsbernd and children: Nathan, Britta, and Markus. Son, Dean Elsbernd and children: Katelyn (Austin Reicks), Justin (Michaela Rose) and Greyson, and Ashlyn. Son, Arlyn. Daughter, Sherri (Jason) Carolan and children: Cassidy, Emily, Cody, and Andy. She is also survived by her brothers, Jerry (Diane) Langreck and Billy (Kathy) Langreck, sisters- and brothers-in-law Joyce Langreck, Evelyn Elsbernd, Agnes Hackman, Anna Mae Kuhn, Sr. Helen Elsbernd, Clare Faas, Denis and Jackie Elsbernd, Larry Schissel, Sr. Rose Elsbernd, Ray and Donna Elsbernd, and many nieces and nephews. Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Elsbernd in 1997, parents Edward and Agnes (Brincks) Langreck, mother- and father-in-law Alois and Loretta (Kuennen) Elsbernd, brother LaVern Langreck, and brothers- and sisters-in-law Lawrence Elsbernd, Joe Hackman, Ray Kuhn, Jerry and Joann Elsbernd, Rev. Elmer Elsbernd, Dick Faas, and Kathy Schissel.