Darlene Allard
January 22, 1951 ~ October 26, 2018
Darlene Allard, 67, of Mount Vernon, passed away Friday, October 26, 2018, at home. Vigil Service: 3:30 p.m. Monday, October 29, 2018, followed by Visitation from 4-7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at church by Reverend John R. Flaherty, with one hour visitation prior to Mass. Burial: St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Lisbon. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, is caring for Darlene and her family.
Survivors include her husband, Dennis; children, Heath (Molly) Allard, Gabe (Michelle) Allard, and Sarah (Blake) Covington; grandchildren, Trent, Avery, and Emilee Allard, Mia and Calvin Allard, and Michael, Mitchell, Faith, and Matthew Covington; siblings, David (Lana) Hartl, Delores Debow, and Darwin (Connie) Hartl; and many extended family members, neighbors, and friends.
Darlene Adele Hartl was born January 22, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, to Frank and Lenore (Dvorak) Hartl. She attended Mount Vernon High School, where she met Dennis Allard. While he was deployed, she waited for his much anticipated return, and they were married September 5, 1970, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a year after her graduation. She belonged to St. John's for many years, and was active in many church events. She taught CCD classes for 34 years, especially Morality to high school sophomores. Darlene was always there to support her children at their events, whether it be sports or concerts, near or far, she would be there. She enjoyed working as a Realtor for Skogman for 20 years, and especially appreciated their family-owned mentality. She was a dedicated volunteer, especially at Bridgehaven, Birthright, and Treasures. Darlene enjoyed working in the flower garden, traveling around the United States with Dennis, the occasional game of golf, and watching sports. One of Darlene's most cherished tasks was to babysit and spend time with her beloved grandchildren.
She was a selfless, forgiving, kind, and loyal person, always there to lend a hand and give support to those she knew and loved. Darlene will be genuinely missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandson, Elliott.
Memorials may be directed to Birthright or Iowans for LIFE.
Special thanks to Hospice of Mercy for their generous care given to Darlene these past few weeks.
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I have never known a woman like Darlene. Always loving kind and strong. She could put a positive spin on anything. Darlene embodied what most of us wish we could be. I always loved the way she would search for words to tell a story, and you would want to listen just to hear what she had to say. Such passion for the little things in life. I will miss her horribly. What I know is she is watching us now and wishing she could comfort us. Just her way. I also know she knows exactly what I would say to her if I had a little more time. Dennis, my heart goes out to you and your family. With all our love, Bob and Pat
Darlene was such a sweet soul. A few years ago, we were serving together at the Mission of Hope, and I was leading the prayer before the meal. I froze and she sweetly and quickly said the last lines. I was so very grateful and have always remembered her kindness that day.
To Dennis & his family, the rest of the Allard family, and the Hartl family:
I knew this day was coming, but hoped she would be stronger longer. We have had our share of cancer in our family, so I mean this with the utmost love, if I saw her struggling every day, it would be a weight off of my heart. I know how tough it is to lose her. Darlene was one of a kind, and never changed since I knew her in high school. She was so strong and wanted to be with you and continue her job of caring for all of you. It was her time. Such a cliche, but that’s all we can say. In that big book, it was her day to travel on to prepare for the rest of you. She is happy & pain-free. That’s how we humans left behind must attempt to think of all of this. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, Dennis. Love to all.
My deepest sympathies to you Dennis and all of your family. I worked with Darlene for many years at Skogman and it was a delight to see her every day. She always had a bright spirit and kind word for everyone. She will be deeply missed by all. I had not seen her in quite a while and did not know she was so sick. But she is pain free now. I know that Jesus welcomed her into heaven immediately “Well done though good and faithful servant.” May peace be with you all as you grieve her passing.
Our deepest sympathies go out to family & friends. Darlene will be remembered as always smiling and very kind. Godspeed Darlene. Kelly Bemus & Steve Emig
I’m so sad to learn of Darlene’s passing. My deepest sympathy to her beloved family. Darlene was all the things more people need to strive to be like. Hard working, faithful, kind, thoughtful, and smart. She always had a smile and sweet giggle to give. Always willing to do anything she could to help others. She loved her family so very much and was so proud of all of them, as she should be. May God hold you in his special care, Darlene. You will be missed.
To all of Darlene’s family….my prayers are with you all. May your loving memories bring you comfort. What a wonderful kind woman. With much love, Debbie Goudy Ward
Dennis, Gabe, Heath and Sarah and family,
How sad to loose Darlene. She was a staple of Mt. Vernon and loved by so many. I don’t think there is a thing she wouldn’t do for anyone. She had the most beautiful smile, soft voice and a genuine sweet person. How blessed you all were to have her in your lives as well as so many others, including me. We are going to miss her so much, but will always remember her with love and smiles. You had a very special wife and mom in your lives.
With love and sympathy,
Annamae Baker
Sarah and family – I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. How lucky you were that you were able to stay home and be there for your mom during her illness. It is so hard to lose a mom, but through her example you’ll carry her light in you.
Michele Steepleton
Dan and I enjoyed all our transactions with Darlene. She was always fair, kind and a joy to be with.
Sally & Dan McAleer (formerly Iowa Realty)
My deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends . I was saddened to hear of Darlene’s passing this morning. I met Darlene when I worked for Iowa Realty. Worked with her on several transactions and she was just a treat when she would call to show a home. It was always nice to hear from her when she called the office.
My deepest sympathies to all of Darlene’s family. She was so good to my parents, especially when they had to sell their house.
Jane Suchomel Carlson
My condolences on the loss of Darlene. She was a year ahead of me in school, but we were “neighbors” when her family lived on the farm on the south side of Mt. Vernon. I will always remember how generous (and trusting) she was to let me ride her horse in high school. She’d even have it saddled and waiting for me and do the brush down when I returned. I felt so fortunate she was willing to share! I knew I’d never have a horse of my own, but because of her kindness I had an opportunity I would not have had otherwise. I think of that kindness when I think of Darlene. Anne Suchomel Miller
We were so very saddened, to hear of Darlene’s passing. My son, Brian, and I have wonderful memories of an absolutely lovely human being, who brought over treats when we first moved to the area. It is clear that she was a very special individual—Our prayers are with her husband and family at this difficult time—Peace and Blessings—
Elaine Jones and Brian Grace
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting Darlene as we went through some classes together at Skogman Realty. She was a very kind and gentle soul. I enjoyed working with her and getting to know her. Her strong faith and love of family and life were very evident.
Darlene was truly one of the most caring people! Whether it was bringing in her delicious cookies to our office. Or giving a baby gift when one of our kiddos was born, she just thought of others and we loved her in our office family! She is greatly missed!
Cory Barnard, Nikki Smith and Jesse Grade from Skogman
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
With my deepest sympathy to all of Darlene’s family.
Andrea Goudy
I met and worked with Darlene as a friend and business partner while at Skogman until I left in 1999.
A genuinely caring person who did indeed love her family, faith and work. Surprised and sorrowed to hear of her passing and can only extend my sincerest condolences and sympathies to Dennis and the rest of her family and friends. RIP Darlene.
Bob “Bobert” Bembenek
October 29, 2018 1:13 pm
I am so sorry to read this. As a first cousin (Darlene’s father and my mother Julia were siblings), I am deeply saddened that I did not see this in time to pay my respects. Our deepest sympathies to all who feel the loss from Darlene’s passing. My He hold you in the palm of his hand as you get through this difficult time.
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May the God of All comfort give you a measure of comfort during this difficult time & may He comfort you through the many prayers in your behalf. (2Corinthians 1:3, 4, Revelation 21.3, 4)