Darlene Perry

Darlene J. Perry age 74 of Cresco, IA formerly of Alta Vista, died on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at her home after a brief battle with cancer. Darlene Josephine Perry was born on April 11, 1934 to George and Mary (Schleimer) Mohrhauser in Battle Creek, IA. She was schooled throughout Iowa, graduating from Cresco High School in May of 1951. In June of 1952, she was united in marriage to LaVern Richardson. To this union, three children were born Kenneth, Michael and Cathy. In 1953 Darlene moved to Illinois where she became a factory worker, making everything from drill bits and magnets to Playskool toys. Sadly Darlene and Rich were divorced after which Darlene and her children moved back to Iowa. Later she wed Eugene Perry on September 3, 1970 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco. After farming a few years in the Lime Springs area, Darlene and her family moved to the Alta Vista area, eventually working as a knitter at Fox River Mills in Osage, Iowa. She retired at age of 65 to care for her ailing husband, moving back to Cresco, after his death. Darlene enjoyed being with her family, gardening (flowers), crocheting, watching sports especially NASCAR and her little black dog Tiffy. Darlene was a member of the Abigail Circle, crocheting baby sweaters for the missions. She was on the church council for three years and chair-person of the Board of Christian Education for three years. She taught Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church, Alta Vista, IA for many years, and at Immanuel Lutheran Church for four years. Darlene started the Cresco Area Prayer Shawl Ministry in November 2006. Darlene is survived by her sons Kenneth Richardson of Waverly, IA and Michael (Linda)Richardson of Cresco, IA; a daughter Cathy (Keith Meyer) Koenig of Castalia, IA; eight grandchildren Rebacca (Chuck) Pierce, Jodi Richardson, Sarah Richardson, Rachel Koenig, Daniel Koenig, Antionette (Chris) Lewis, Danielle Richardson, Jonathan Richardson; seven great grandchildren; two sisters Beverly Wilson of Atwater, CA and Joan Wernett of Cresco, IA; one brother Wayne Mohrhauser of Rochester, MN; and several nieces and nephews. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gene; a sister Marian Applen; and a nephew Shawn Ehlert. Darlene would like to leave you with these thoughts. Truly believe that each day is Gods gift to you and how you spend it is your gift back, and How you treat others is often how you will be treated. Memorials: Memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Sunday School in Cresco. Cemetery: Burial will be in the Union Cemetery at Alta Vista with her grandchildren serving as honorary urn bearers. Visitation: Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church on Wednesday. Service: Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco with Reverend Michael Massa officiating.