Darlene Winkie

Darlene H. Winkie, 81, of rural Postville, IA, died Sunday, November 12, 2017, at her home. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 17, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Frankville Presbyterian Church in Frankville, IA, with Karla Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Salem Cemetery, rural Waukon, IA. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thursday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Darlene Helen Winkie was born May 8, 1936, in Waukon, IA, the daughter of Arthur E. and Edna M. (Grotegut) Flage. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon and graduated from Waukon High School in 1954. On November 28, 1954, Darlene married Ronald Lee Winkie at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. Besides raising four children and keeping a spotless house, Darlene also did many of the chores on their farm like raising chickens, farrowing pigs, milking cows, and raising a large garden to feed her family. She was a wonderful cook and made great meals, which included the best ever potato salad and great desserts.

She was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in rural Waukon. Music was a huge part of her life. In school, she participated in band and chorus and was a drum majorette and baton twirler. Later, she became a self-taught organist and for 15 years, played at Frankville Presbyterian Church in Frankville, IA. Darlene sang in the church choirs and for funerals. With Ron, she liked square dancing and fishing on the Mississippi. She loved shopping and going to lunch with friends. Family was important to her; she always looked forward to her many trips to Texas to visit daughter Peggy and liked following her grandchildren's activities.

Darlene is survived by her children: Connie (Matt) Hobson of Waterloo, IA, Brian (JoAnn) Winkie of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Brad (Linda) Winkie of Waukon; son-in-law Kyle Berg of Victoria, TX; eight grandchildren; seven grandchildren; one sister Joanne Flage of Minneapolis, MN; and two sisters-in-law: Erma Leary of Cedar Rapids and Janet (Troy) Forbus of Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ronald in 2002; daughter Peggy Berg; a granddaughter Crystal Hobson; and brother-in-law Robert (Cynthia) Winkie.

Honorary casketbearers are Becky Wooden, Katie Unland, Megan Wyatt, and Autumn, Jenna, Becky, and Michelle Winkie. Casketbearers are Matt Wyatt, Ryan Berg, Taylor Wood, Lam Phan, Jared Winkie, Roger Wooden, Don Schminkey, and Chad Clark.