Darline Ann Bielenberg, aged 94, passed away quietly in her sleep at The Alverno in Clinton on Sunday, August 21, 2022.
Born to Jerry and Frieda Dierks on August 1, 1928, Darline lived in the Goose Lake/Charlotte area all her life. She received her teaching certificate from Mount St. Clare College before teaching for several years at a one-room school in Plug Town near Goose Lake. She also served as a substitute teacher for the Clinton School District, always choosing to work in special needs classrooms. On May 31, 1963 Darline was wed to Bruce Bielenberg. The two remained partners until Bruce’s passing in 2014.
Independent, curious, and compassionate, Darline sought in all she did to understand her creator as well as her fellow humans with her mind and her heart. Many who had the pleasure of knowing her recognized her gifted ability to build kind, strong relationships; to accept others without judgement; and to recognize life for what it offered no matter what. A favorite saying of hers in the face of life’s adversities was, ‘Love it, just love it.”
Not one for recipes, Darline probably didn’t make the same thing the same way twice, and the only way to capture (if one can) her dishes was to watch her cook and sometimes guess at the amounts of ingredients going in the bowl. But her food was always delicious, her kitchen inviting, and conversation distinctive. The space she leaves behind is no vast chasm in our lives, because she also took care to fill our hearts and souls with what she could.
Darline is survived by her four children, Vicki (Joel) Hansen of Charlotte, IA; Brent (Nancy) Bielenberg of Lake Elmo, MN; Nadine (Dan) Messerschmidt of Fishers, IN; and Tracy (Steve Saunders) Bielenberg of Waverly, PA. She has 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Darline is preceded in death by Bruce and by her parents, two brothers and their spouses: Donal (Joanne) Dierks and Robert (Amy) Dierks, and former husband Edwin (Fuzzy) Ketelsen who died in 1962.
In following Darline’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Pape Funeral Home in Clinton. A memorial service will begin at 12:00 noon with a luncheon following the service at Zion Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials made to the Alverno. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
So sorry, for your loss. Will always remember going to the movies with you and your mom in junior high. She was such a sweet lady.
Dear Vicki, Brent, Nadine and Tracy,
We send our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. She truly had a life well-lived and leaves a legacy of love for all of you. I always will remember her warm smile. She was so genuine, and she and Bruce were such good friends of our dad and Diane. I will not be able to attend the service, but will be with you in spirit. Sending hugs and prayers from all of Alva’s family.
Darlene was such a sweet person and I guarantee nobody ever left her house hungry. I will miss talking with her.
Such a beautiful soul.
So sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing, she was a great lady and will be missed.
I was blessed to have wonderful aunts and uncles who taught all of us how to live good lives of service to God. Bruce and Darline will be in my thoughts and prayers, as will be my cousins and their families. God love you all! Nolan Behr
I didn’t know your Mom but reading the tribute for her I wish I had. Our sincere sympathy and prayers for peace.
While I didn’t know your Mom Vicki, I can see that her spirit will live on in you and in Joel. You both live your faith as she did. Will be praying for that peace that passes all understanding for you and your family, especially this Saturday.
Darline was a wonderful human being. I am honored to have known her. She loved people and loved sharing life with them in her spirited way. My condolences to her family who will miss her dearly. Darline now spreads her special joy throughout the heavens.
My mom would take us out to Darlene and Bruce’s farm. We loved the special spot above the frig, no adults. My mom loved to go watch the newborn pigs. Forever one of my moms best friends, they just got together less than a month ago. She’s one of those people you’ll always remember in life, she was just a great person. When I was little I remember how tall she was and how she always had such great outfits and always looked so beautiful.
A wonderful lady and friend. Darline loved reading poems and stories to my third grade class. She had a real connection to the kids and I, a beautiful reader and storyteller. Condolences to her family.
im so sorry for your loss ???
So sorry for your loss!
She was everything you say in your tribute as my teacher the first three years at Plugtown Country School. Always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her through the years.
Thanks to her, I developed a love of learning, teaching which continues today. Rest In Peace Darline and thank you! ❤️