Darlene M. Willenborg

Darlene Mary Willenborg (Haberl) was born on October 13, 1930, on a farm south of Aspinwall, Iowa, to Bernard (Ben) and Genevive (Daniel) Haberl. As the oldest daughter in a family of eleven children, she often took on responsibilities more like those of a mother than a sister, helping care for her younger siblings from an early age. Throughout her life, she embodied those qualities of love, service, and nurturing that were the hallmark of her character.

As a young woman, Darlene enjoyed attending dances with her brother Alvin and looked forward to weekly movies, where she became acquainted with members of the Willenborg family. Those friendships eventually led her to the love of her life, Leo Willenborg. Darlene and Leo were married on September 11, 1951, at Holy Family Church in Lidderdale. Following a honeymoon to the Black Hills and Yellowstone, they began a marriage that would span more than seven decades.

In 1960, after the birth of their first four children, Darlene and Leo moved to the family farm, where they would raise their nine children. It was there that Darlene lived out the values that defined her life: faith, family, and service to others. Together, she and Leo shared a deep devotion to their Catholic faith, attending Sunday Mass and praying together daily. In 1996, the couple moved to town and built a house close to church so they could attend daily Mass. Darlene's nurturing spirit was evident in everything she did, from raising her children and sewing and patching clothing to tending a large garden whose harvest she lovingly canned and preserved. Her pantry, kitchen, and table were always full, and she found great happiness in feeding those she loved.

Summers on the farm were filled with laughter and activity as Darlene welcomed nieces and nephews into her home for week-long visits, fostering relationships and memories for her children and their cousins that would last a lifetime. Later, when grandchildren started arriving, she poured the same love and attention into their lives. She delighted in reading stories or singing songs to them, baking her famous cookies and pies, and sharing simple moments together. Grandchildren who lived farther away looked forward to spending a week or more with Grandma each summer, where they were always welcomed with open arms, homemade treats, and plenty of love.

Darlene's caring nature extended well beyond her family. She was active in Sacred Heart Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of America, and the VFW Women's Auxiliary. She volunteered at the nursing home through the Hospital Auxiliary, helped with Vacation Bible School, baked and served cookies and treats for the children's Catholic Education classes, and generously gave her time wherever she saw a need. She was always willing to lend a helping hand in any activity that involved her grandchildren or their friends.

One of Darlene's most cherished traditions took place every Sunday. When her family was young, she would make a large Sunday chicken dinner. In later years, she would prepare cinnamon rolls and banana nut bread, knowing family would gather at her home after church to share juice, coffee, conversation, and stories from the week. No one left her home hungry; everyone left feeling a little more loved than when they arrived.

Darlene and Leo always found ways to make the ordinary extraordinary. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and creating family memories through vacations to the Black Hills, Lake Okoboji, Lake of the Ozarks, and Fairmont, Minnesota. They later enjoyed annual trips with brothers, sisters, and friends, making treasured memories together.

Unsure they would reach their 50th anniversary, Leo and Darlene celebrated their 40th with a large party for extended family, neighbors, and friends. They went on to host parties for their 50th and 60th anniversaries and a big family gathering for their 70th. They enjoyed bringing family and extended family together.

Darlene's legacy is not measured in material things, but in the generations she nurtured, the faith she lived, the meals she shared, and the countless people who found comfort, encouragement, and belonging in her presence. Her love continues through the family she cherished and the lives she touched so deeply.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Willenborg; her parents, Bernard and Genevive Haberl; her daughter, Patty Axman; her great-granddaughter, Grace Marshall; her brothers, Alvin Haberl, Marlind Haberl, and Donald Haberl; and her sister, Joleen Bauer. She is survived by her children, Dale (Dianne) Willenborg, Ron Willenborg, Linda (George) Wolf, Kathy (Ben) Puck, Steve (Barb) Willenborg, Lori (Keith) Schreck, Ken (Christy) Willenborg, and Theresa (Rod German) Nash; her son-in-law, Terry (Kathie) Axman; her sisters, Rita Bruch and Norma Jean Anthofer; her brothers, Bernie Haberl, Erwin (Mary-Jane) Haberl, LeRoy (Carol) Haberl, and Ed (Annette) Haberl; her in-laws, Elaine Huelshorst and Ardella Willenborg; 25 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Prayer Service, all at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning. Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Manning.