Darlene Ann Berchtold

Darlene was born on January 20, 1935 on a farm near Buffalo, Missouri to William Henry, Jr. and Vera Norman Clemons. The family moved to Iowa when she was 2 years old where she attended various schools. She later graduated from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines with an associate degree in Accounting.

Darlene married Robert T. Berchtold in 1954 and made their home in Ames. Here they welcomed and raised two daughters Roberta Ann and Randa Lee. Darlene was employed at Bobbie Rogers Clothing Store, the Ames Postal Employees Credit Union, and Iowa State University.

Darlene and Robert retired in 1987 and traveled much of the country. They especially enjoyed visiting extended family. Darlene was a talented artist and sketched, painted, crocheted, and sewed for family gifts and craft shows. Her hobbies also included genealogy and expanding her computer skills as the technology progressed.

On July 17, 1991 Darlene received the 53rd heart transplant performed at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City. This gift of life extended Darlene’s life for many years and she was eternally grateful to the heroic donor and the skilled surgeons and medical staff.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Robert, daughter Roberta, both parents, a brother John, sisters Mary and Jeanie, and nephews Craig and Jeff Johnson. She is survived by; daughter Randa Martin and son-in-law Stan; grandson Jeffrey and great- grandchildren Avery and Audrey; granddaughter Jessica (Greg) and great-granddaughters Madeline, Abigail, and Tabitha; grandson Benjamin (Jessica) and great- grandchildren Vivian, Cali, and Ben; granddaughter Kimberly and great- grandchildren Jax and Colette; sister-in-law Sara Anderson and many nieces and nephews.

Darlene will be interred at Ames Municipal Cemetery following a family service. If desired, gifts can be made to the charity of your choice.

Please share your fond memories and kind expressions of sympathy for the family at forestparkthewoodlands.com.

Forest Park The Woodland Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.