Darlene M. Meints

Darlene Mae Meints, 95, formerly of Sheffield, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 while at Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

Darlene was born on Aug. 18, 1928, in rural Butler County Iowa to Folkert and Dena (Miller) Kielman. She attended country school and graduated from Bristow High School in 1946.

She married Marvin Meints in 1949. Together they lived and farmed near Chapin on the family farm until retiring and moving to Sheffield in 2003. She actively helped with the farming operation and enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. She and Marvin moved to Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake in November 2008 where she has resided for the last 15 years.

Darlene was a long-time member of Zion Reformed Church and was active in women’s and couples’ groups. She helped organize the original Zion Women’s Bazaar over 50 years ago.

Darlene was a dedicated wife and mother; active in community events, and enjoyed visiting with relatives, neighbors and friends. She and Marvin enjoyed card club and watching their children and grandchildren in various activities. During her marriage she also worked part time as a nursing assistant in the Sheffield Care Center and a cook at the Chapin School. In later years, Darlene loved to do word searches and color. She also always looked forward to visits by family members and playing cards on Sunday afternoons.

Marvin and Darlene were blessed with three sons and four daughters. She is survived by her children, Marlin (Pat) Meints of Clear Lake, Sylvia Lloyd of Mason City, Glenda Kidd of Stewartville, Minn., Jeff (Julia) Meints of Clear Lake, and daughter-in-law Vicki Meints currently of Jacksonville, Fla. She is also survived by her sister, Verla Ubben of Cedar Falls. She is survived by 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Darlene is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; son, Wendell; infant daughters, Ila Jean and Marlene; son-in-laws, Gary Lloyd and Mitch Kidd; grandson, Don Shahan; brother, Arthur Kielman; and sister, Deona Duit.