Darlene F. Ellerbroek

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DARLENE FRANCES ELLERBROEK

BORN
February 2, 1924
Sheldon, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
February 23, 2016
Sanborn, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:00 A.M. Monday, February 29, 2016
Bethel Reformed Church
Sheldon, Iowa
Rev. Dave Van Kley officiating

Visitation with the family present will
Sunday, February 28, 2016 from 3:00 5:00pm
at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon, Iowa.

MUSIC
Amazing Grace
sung by: Brian Tutje
We Shall Behold Him
duet by: Gene & Amy Bomgaars
Battle Hymn of The Republic Organ

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
Wonderful Grace of Jesus
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Organist: Norma Snyder Jones

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Granddaughters
Erin Ellerbroek Rachel Dohr
Katie Szczerbiak JoAnna Ver Meer
Stacey Ellerbroek Beth Marsh Georgia Vande Griend

CASKET BEARERS
Grandsons
Jesse Ellerbroek Chris Ellerbroek
Joshua Tatman Steven Tatman
Philip Ellerbroek Justin Ellerbroek Michael Ellerbroek

FINAL RESTING PLACE
Greenwood Cemetery
Matlock, Iowa

After todays graveside service, relatives and friends
are invited to join the family for lunch
in the fellowship hall of the Church.

Arrangements are under the care of
the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa.

The family wishes that memorials be directed to:
Gideons and or the Bible League International

DARLENE FRANCES ELLERBROEK


Darlene Frances Ellerbroek was born February 2, 1924, in Sheldon, Iowa, the daughter of Philip and Georgia (Kammlade) Headings. She had one brother, Kenneth Headings, and together they attended country school in Lyon County. Darlene attended high school in Sheldon, Iowa, graduating in 1940. After high school, she attended a beauty school in Sioux City, Iowa, and pursued her passions as a hair beautician and a homemaker.

During her teen years, Darlene fell in love with Cedric Jacob Ellerbroek. With a laugh, she often said she had her eye on him since she was 12 years old.
On April 18, 1944, she was united in marriage to Cedric on her parents farm near Ashton, Iowa. As many ladies of the time, Darlene couldnt afford a wedding dress, but wore a smart suit instead. She told fond stories of how they were married beside the family piano. She joked later if she hadnt gotten married, she wouldve been a professional singer.
The young couple made their home on a farm near Matlock, Iowa. God blessed them with many happy years together, and seven children were born into the family. Darlene and Cedric moved to New York City for a brief period while Cedric was stationed there serving for the U.S. Navy. Her favorite songs grew to include New York, New York and Silver Bells. Darlene also supported Cedric as he was stationed in Alaska and the Pacific during World War II. Many heartfelt letters were sent between them.
Darlene helped on the family farm and also operated Darlenes Beauty Shop in the farm house near Matlock. Her love of beauty resulted in a 40-year career styling hair. Darlenes children have many memories of their mother working tirelessly in the hair shop and providing a home for her large family. She was known for her wonderful meals, hospitality, and determined, but loving nature. In fact, she earned the nickname Trouble from many of her closest friends.
In 1980, Cedric retired from farming and the couple moved into Sheldon. For many years, they were able to travel together and appreciate Gods beauty found in favorite places like northern Minnesota, Arizona, California, and other West Coast states.
Cedric preceded her in death on October 10, 2000, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As the two were inseparable during their lives, Cedrics loss was difficult for her to bear. Darlene remained in her home after his death, hosting friends and family. She loved shopping in downtown Sheldon and going to coffee with her many friends.
In 2012, Darlene moved to the Prairie View Home in Sanborn, Iowa. During these last years, Darlene loved receiving visitors and talking about her past memories. Darlene passed away there on February 23, 2016, in the presence of her loving family, reaching the age of 92 years and 21 days.
Darlene was a member of the Bethel Reformed Church in Sheldon, and had been active as a Sunday School teacher. She enjoyed sewing, home interior decorating, cooking (her specialties included an excellent beef stew and Grandma Goulash), entertaining friends, music and singing, traveling, and supporting mission work for the church.
Her memories will be cherished by her seven children, Cheryl and Edward Miller of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Carla and James Boyle of El Cajon, California; Craig and Carol Ellerbroek of Gladstone, Illinois; Kent and Barbara Ellerbroek of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Mark and Dianna Ellerbroek of Ely, Minnesota; LeaAnn Vande Griend of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Janet and Steve Tatman of Sheldon, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Erma McGuire of St. Paul, Minnesota, and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cedric; her parents; and her brother, Kenneth Dale Headings.
They do not die, the ones we love so well. They live for us each day in all the lovely things of life.