OCTOBER 17, 1942 – NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Darlene, the only child of Alfred Kercher and Virginia née Jadelot Kercher, was born at Lutheran Hospital on October 17, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was baptized at Gethsemane Lutheran Church on November 15, 1942. She grew up in St. Louis City and County and attended Gethsemane Grade School on Paule Avenue from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She then attended Bayless High School and graduated as the class of 1960.
Darlene was confirmed March 25, 1956, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. When she was younger, she attended the Brownies Girl Scouts. She taught Sunday School and helped out in the church nursery. Darlene also played on the Gethsemane ball team.
As a child, Darlene was happy to be on a trips to places called Red Bud, Illinois, and Rosebud, Missouri. Both places held a lot of love in her life, and in her Dad and Mom’s life. Never did she forget how the Lord blessed her and her parents with special feelings during their lifetime of memories.
Darlene started working at Concordia Publishing House in 1960 and retired at the age of 62 in November of 2004, after 44 years of service. While working at CPH, she started as a mail girl, then worked in the Periodical Department with the different publications. The year she retired, she worked in the Mail Distribution Department with the United States Postal Service. She worked with them as a representative for Concordia Publishing House on rules and regulations with regulating mailings.
She volunteered for an organization for Prison Ministry and helped with office work, and was happy to help when needed, a very spiritual experience. Darlene also belonged to the Clowns of America organization for the St. Louis Alley. Darlene joined this organization in March, 1981. She enjoyed working with children and contributed to Special Olympics programs, parades, carnivals and picnics, and YMCA Hospital functions for children. Darlene’s mother made her costumes and Darlene’s clown name was “Cappy”. She enjoyed the years she could be a part of the organization.
Darlene volunteered at Peace Lutheran Church where she was a member. She enjoyed her friends from church and other friends in her life.
Darlene will be dearly missed by many friends who considered her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate or by mail 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 in Darlene’s name are greatly appreciated.
A visitation will be held at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, located at 1515 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63125, on November 26, 2025, from 1:00 pm until time of funeral service 2:00 pm. Committal service will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery & Mausoleum.
