On August 8, 1946, after being proposed to on Valentine’s Day, Darlene married Bernard Bird at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Odebolt. This union was blessed with five children, John, Bonita, Kathleen, Marian, and David. Together they raised their family in Odebolt. Once the children were of school age, Darlene worked at Neuman’s Variety Store and later at the Odebolt Bakery. She also served lunch at the school. Bernard always planted a large garden so when it came time to harvest, Darlene was busy in the kitchen, canning and freezing.
Darlene lived her life simply and had a deep faith in the Lord. She and Bernard attended church with their children every Sunday and the Rosary was prayed every night before bedtime together as a family. The family visited the Grotto any time they traveled to West Bend to see Darlene’s sister. They also enjoyed a trip to the Black Hills together. Darlene loved her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her children, John (Nobuko) Bird of Jacksonville, AR, Kathleen (Stanley) Swensen of Kiron, IA, and Marian (Darrell) Sturtz of Fort Dodge, IA; son-in-law Ron Orcutt of MO; grandchildren Henry Bird, Erica (Brad) Littrel, Angela Bird (Michael Slack), Dan (Jody) Swensen, Jeana (Scott) Oppelt, Judd (Sara) Swensen, Trisha (Maurice) Karst, Nancy (Ross) Hinkey, and Sirena Zadow; twenty-one great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; other extended family members and friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, John and Katherine Henrich; husband Bernard Bird, son David Bird, and daughter Bonita Orcutt.
