Obituary of Darlene Julia Havick

Darlene Julia Peterson Havick, daughter of the late John P. Peterson and Josephine M. (Sandbothe) Peterson, was born on May 17, 1944, in Portsmouth, IA. Darlene was baptized and received her First Communion at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Woodbine, IA. Darlene attended school at the country school outside of Portsmouth and later, the Catholic school.  When Darlene began junior high, the family moved to Council Bluffs, IA, where Darlene attended Roosevelt School. As a teenager, Darlene became a waitress at a café where she met her future husband, Franklyn D Stotts of Sydney, IA. Darlene shared with Frank that she loved his red convertible, so he gave her a ride, and the two dated until they were united in marriage on December 22, 1959.  They were blessed with five children, Julia Ann, Diana Marie, Loura Le, Pamela Jo, and Douglas Brian. Darlene and Frank were members of the Pistols and Petticoats square dancing club. They also enjoyed their gatherings with friends to snowmobile in the winter.

Darlene was a very talented seamstress and did alterations for a men’s clothing store in Glenwood. When she wasn’t working on alterations, Darlene was active in raising the girls and became a Brownie leader and then, a Girl Scout leader. She also loved taking her girls shopping to choose fabric and patterns so she could make their clothes. Her talent for sewing and being a tailor for others turned into a business of sewing curtains and making other home decor items. Darlene also sewed wedding dresses, two of which were made for her daughters, Diane and Louri. When the girls got a little older, Darlene returned to waitressing for a dear friend in her café.

In March 1972, the family was blessed with a new baby boy, Doug. He became the pride and joy of the family.

In 1979, Frank and Darlene divorced, and Darlene moved to Harlan, where she later married James Havick in April 1980. Jim, Darlene, and Doug moved to Elkhorn NE and eventually Kansas where Darlene and Jim’s families and children enjoyed spending time together, especially going on boat rides, golf outings, shopping, and camping trips.  Darlene took great pride in becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. Darlene’s grandchildren adored her, and the way she always made their time together special. Some of the fondest memories of her family have been those spent celebrating Christmas and Easter. Grandma would bake delicious treats, decorate her home, and hold extravagant Easter egg hunts for her children and grandchildren to come together and celebrate.  Darlene possessed exceptional talent. Whether making beautiful quilts, crocheting blankets, or fashioning dresses, dolls and stuffed animals, Darlene poured her heart into every creation. Each handmade gift was a testament to her creativity, dedication, and love for her family. Her grandchildren always looked forward to her next surprise, knowing that each creation would be cherished for a lifetime.

 After Jim’s retirement, the two relocated to Shenandoah, IA. to be closer to family. Darlene lost her husband to cancer. In November 2016, Darlene was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The cancer returned in 2019 and Darlene’s health began to decline. In May 2020, Darlene moved to Humboldt to be closer to her daughter Diane and Dan (son-in-law). While in Humboldt, she enjoyed the Bible study group at the Humboldt Lutheran Church, playing cards with her neighbor friends, and having visits from her family.

Darlene traveled to visit her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Sadly, her battle with cancer resumed for the third time in October 2023. Darlene Julia Peterson Havick passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Humboldt County Hospital Long-Term Care Center in Humboldt, IA. Allowing her to finally reunite with her beloved daughter Pam, and others that left us too soon.

Darlene is preceded in death by her late husband, Jim Havick; daughter, Pam Kasl; siblings: Velma Wegner, Joseph Peterson, and Dorothy Michael; and many beloved family members and friends.

Darlene is survived by her children: Julie (Roger) McQueen of Shenandoah, IA, Diane (Dan) Dix of Humboldt, IA, Louri (Steve) Petsche of Phoenix AZ, son-in-law, Rob Kasl of Belleville KS, and Doug Stotts of Ogallala NE; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 4 step great-grandchildren; her siblings: brother-in-law, Carl Michael of Council Bluffs, Helen (Chuck) Hanson of Morehead, IA, Elaine Wagemen (Ron Blume) of Apple Valley, MN, Donald Peterson of Spencer, IA, Alvin Peterson of Council Bluffs, IA, Kenneth and Corinne Peterson of Council Bluffs, IA, Debra Jensen of Livermore, IA, Terry and Tommi Peterson of Spencer, IA; and Ronald and Leah Skalla of Harlan, IA; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

Darlene was a remarkable and courageous woman, drawing comfort and perseverance from her faith in God. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and found no greater pleasure than time spent with her family and friends. Her light-hearted demeanor, unwavering kindness, and infectious laughter will be dearly missed.