Darlene Dorothy Gebel
April 6, 1938 ~ August 22, 2026
Born in:
Fort Atkinson, IA
Resided in:
New Hampton, IA
Darlene Dorothy Gebel age 88, of New Hampton, formerly of Lawler, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at her home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, with Rev. Tyler Raymond celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Lawler.
Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, where there will be a 3:15 p.m. Rosary. Visitation continues for one hour before the Mass at the church in Lawler on Friday.
Darlene Dorothy Gebel, born on April 6, 1938, to Edward and Elizabeth (Heley) Busta at their home near Fort Atkinson, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, surrounded by her children.
Darlene grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse near the family farm through 8th grade. On April 8, 1958, she was united in marriage to Francis Gebel at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Little Turkey, Iowa. Together, Francis and Darlene farmed west of Lawler before moving to New Hampton, Iowa, in 2011.
From a young age, Darlene was a hardworking individual. As a teenager, she took pride in assisting with “baby cases” and farm threshing. She later worked at Sara Lee from its opening until its closing (1972-2000). Following her time there, she spent her years enjoying cleaning houses for others and cooking at the Waverly Horse Sales.
An exceptional cook and baker, Darlene was widely known for sharing her homemade treats with family, neighbors, friends, and residents of local nursing homes. She was especially famous for her delicious kolaches, along with rolicky, zelnicky, orange slice bars, cookies, and countless other baked goods. In her free time, she enjoyed playing bingo, visiting the casino, playing cards, and listening to polka music. Above all, Darlene truly enjoyed people—everyone was her friend. Her friendship and baking will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her children: Karen (Albert) Kuhn – from Decorah, Theresa (Greg) Hudecek – from Protivin, and Paul (Karen) Gebel – from Denver; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, with a 13th arriving in September; and in-laws Geraldine Busta, Angie Busta, Karen Busta, Sandy Busta, Mary Lou Busta, Tuffy Blue, and Diana Gebel.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Francis Gebel (2017); her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Busta; her siblings, Lorraine (Ed) Panos, Gladys (Richard) Balik, Elizabeth (Betty) Busta, Walter Busta, Edward Busta, Bernard Busta, Arnold Busta, and James Busta; and in-laws LeRoy (Mary) Gebel, Robert (Rita) Gebel, Joseph Gebel, Marilyn (Francis Burns, James Leibold), Lucille (Francis) Reicks, Leona (Luke) Kriener, Doris (Raymond “Bud”) Balik, Jean Hageman, and Loretta (Pete) Kleve.
Services
Visitation: August 27, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
2940 Iowa Highway 24
Lawler, IA 52154
6413944334
Rosary: August 27, 2026 3:15 pm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
2940 Iowa Highway 24
Lawler, IA 52154
6413944334
Mass of Christian Burial: August 28, 2026 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
2940 Iowa Highway 24
Lawler, IA 52154
6413944334
Cemetery: August 28, 2026 11:45 am
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery
2940 Iowa Highway 24
Lawler, IA 52154
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We are sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person.
Lori and Mike Rosonke
Lyn (Meissen-Bruns) Bailey
REX
Hard to put into words what a great person she was. She is at peace and will be missed. I will cherish her memories. Jeanne Roder
Our thoughts and prayers to Darlene’s family. She was a great lady and always had a smile. I enjoyed working with her at Sara Lee.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Darlene’s family.
Your smile and loving care will be missed but the fond
memories will remain forever with us.
Dan & Marjorie Busta Woodbridge
As a former Sara Lee worker, I can say Darlene was a joy to be around, and her presence will be missed by many. Sending my sincere condolences to her family and friends.
My sympathy and prayer’s to all Darlene’s family. Rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I enjoyed every second when I was around Darlene, if not at work at Sara Lee but out and about. She loved seeing my son Jimmy and his family acrost the street and loved watching
JJ growing up. She was such a sweet sweet lady. I will miss her❤️
Darlene was sweet lady to know and to work with in the kitchen during the horse sales in Waverly. My heartfelt sympathy to her family..
Oh Darlene! We had had so many special times. Especially when Darlene and Betty stopped at Rick’s and my house. We were suppose to go to my folks, but we played cards at my house until my mom called and insisted we come there. We laughed so hard. One of my favorite nights. I miss you so much….especially when she would surprise me at the bank!! Hugs and love Karen, Albert, Theresa, Greg, Paul and Karen!!
So very sorry for your loss. What a sweet lady🙏
Tasting those sweet treats she made. Every Gebel event was complete with a conversation with her ❤️
She’s a blessing.
My condolences to her family.
Oh dear Darlene…could strike up a conversation with her about any and everything. I always enjoyed visiting with her, and her sister Betty. She was a dedicated Sara Lee worker. Rest easy in eternal peace, Darlene. My sympathy to her family.
Oh Darlene you will be missed and remembered for your caring nature, zest in life and your love for your family and friends. What a beautiful picture of you . You will be missed.
Friends forever.
Dan and Karen
Karen, Theresa, Paul and family, you have my deepest sympathies. Your Mom was always such a joy to talk with. I’ll miss her humor and her caring, kind spirit. I remember how she teased us when we were little and always took an interest in our lives as we got older. She truly was one of the best aunts ever. I will miss her!
Bill & Julianne Kout
You have our deepest condolences for your loss! Darlene was the sweetest, kindest lady who was not only a great worker at Sara Lee, but also after it closed. She was a great help to my mother when household chores got to be too difficult. She was a great friend!🙏🏼💕🙏🏼 May she rest in peace!
Due to health reasons, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend the wake or funeral. Your mother will always be remembered as a special person who loved visiting with people. She will truly be missed. I will continue to say rosaries for your family. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
My deepest sympathy to all of Darlene’s family. I just found out that she passed away, and I am truly heartbroken for all of you. She was always fun to visit with, and had a great sense of humor. May she rest in peace. 🙏