Darlene Hanssen

Dar was born December 1, 1933 in Davenport Iowa to Edith L. (Doty) and Arthur L. Hanssen. She graduated from Davenport High School in 1952, where she competed in the 1952 National Softball Tournament. She was also a gifted athlete in other sports, shooting a hole-in-one and bowling perfect games with her championship team, along with being an accomplished organist and a talented ceramicist. Her positive, sunny outlook fueled her 37-year career with the Davenport Park Board, where she developed and managed sports and cultural programs like youth theater, softball, swimming, volleyball, bowling, golf, tennis and children’s’ summer camps. Dar also was instrumental in the creation of Davenport’s first senior center, Collins House, and taught ceramics classes as a volunteer for decades at CASI where she also served on the board of directors. Other charities that Dar served include Ducks Unlimited and Tri-T. Dar also traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and to various destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada.

Dar is survived by sister-in-law Marilyn Hanssen of Davenport; nephew Steve Hanssen, nieces Deborah Neumann and Cynthia Hanssen, cousins and their families Ed and Walt Hanssen and longtime best friend Ann Schroeder. Special thanks go to Sally and Mike Brockway, to whom the family sends immense gratitude for their steadfast love, friendship and support. Dar was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Art and Ivan, sister-in-law Joy and her beloved dog Chloe. Private memorial services are planned in the spring, with internment in the family plot at Pine Hill Cemetery in Davenport.