Darlene Wicker Hanson, age 95, of Lake View, IA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA. Darlene was born on November 29, 1922, in Lake View, IA, to parents Dick and Martha (Poen) Huisenga. She grew up in Lake View where she attended school. Darlene graduated from Lake View Public School in 1940 where she was known for her great speed in running races - a trait she enjoyed in her three boys. She continued her education in Omaha, NE, where she received a Secretarial Degree.
Darlene was united in marriage to Vernon Wicker on February 12, 1943, in Omaha, NE, and they resided in Lake View, IA. Their union was blessed with three ‘favorite’ sons: Craig, Gary, and Brent. After Vernon’s passing in 1978, Darlene married Vernal Hanson a long time neighbor and friend on December 3, 1982. Together they welcomed their blended family which included Vernal’s children - Steve, Margaret, Mark, Bryan, Earl, and Nina.
Darlene worked with her husband, Vernon, and son, Gary, as a secretary in their real estate and insurance agency, Wicker Real Estate and Insurance. She was a long-time member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ and helped at various church activities, American Legion and community events. In her free time Darlene enjoyed gardening, fishing, golfing, dancing and playing pool. You could also find her at every school event in which her three boys participated. She loved playing cards with friends, watching sports and celebrating the many family member birthdays. Darlene liked to travel and enjoyed her many trips to Canada fishing with her sons. In later years she and her second husband Vernal would become "Snowbirds” and spend the winter months at their home in Mesa, AZ.
Darlene "Gramma” Wicker Hanson was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was most happy spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren grow up. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish Darlene’s wonderful memories are sons: Craig (Patricia) Wicker of Dallas, TX, Brent (Barbie) Wicker of Dallas, TX, and Gary (Penny) Wicker of Lake View, IA; step-children: Mark (Thaya) Hanson of Des Moines, IA, Bryan (Dawn) Hanson of CA, Earl (Janet) Hanson of MN and Nina (Joel) De Kock of WI; grandchildren: Troy (Amber) Wicker of Gilbert, AZ, Brock Wicker of Dallas, TX, Cary (Mirra) Wicker of Denver, CO, Chase (Ashley) Wicker of Solon, IA, Colton Wicker of Lake View, IA, Casey (Ashleigh) Wicker of Sugar Land, TX, Jessica Wicker of Dallas, TX, Cody Wicker of Dallas, TX, Kristen Wicker of Dallas, TX; great grandchild Blair Marie Wicker of Solon, IA; 14 step-grandchildren; 18 step-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Ivadell Huisenga of Lake View, IA; great friend and caretaker, Peggy Domino and many extended family members and friends. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Vernon Wicker; second husband Vernal Hanson; brothers Marvin (Maxine, deceased) Huisenga and Delmer Huisenga; step-children: Steve Hanson and Margaret Hanson Fairchild.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIALS CAN BE MADE IN DARLENE'S MEMORY TO:
1ST CONGREGATIONAL UCC BUILDING FUND
217 HIGH STREET
LAKE VIEW, IOWA 51450
