Darlene Leona Berkes

Ben Gunsch and Darlene married in 1956, they moved to Ritzville, WA. Melanie was born in 1961. Darlene worked as a waitress at the Circle T until she moved to Yakima WA.

Darlene became very successful in selling Tupperware, she quickly became a manager. Her husband Alex Berkes supported and helped her reach her business goals. When Alex passed, she decided go to business college, and got her degree in bookkeeping and business.

Darlene met her partner Hans Pohl while managing Regal Court. They enjoyed dancing, traveling, and fishing.

Darlene missed her dance partner, but continued to go to the Harman Center for the regular dances, enjoying all the friends they had made. Celebrating birthdays and events together. At one of these dancing she met Gib Smith, What a whirl wind romance, They married in Hawaii after just a few months. I quote Gib "Life is too short!" Sad to say "It was".

Darlene was a lifelong member of YLI and the Holy Family Parish, Eagles Auxiliary member, and very active at Harman Center dances. Her health declined in June of 2022, forcing her to move to assisted living.

Darlene leaves behind her daughter Melanie & Aaron Lankow, grandchildren Emily and Matthew. Stepchildren and grandchildren of Alex Berkes, Hans Pohl, and Gib Smith; Siblings: Linda Heinle and Harry Seilder; sister-in-law Irene Seidler, and many nieces and nephews.

Darlene is proceeded in death by her parents Joseph and Emilia Seidler; Sisters: Hilda & Ester Seidler, Ida (Adam)Mindt, Anna (Bennie)Auch; Brothers: Jake Seidler, Gottlieb (Lorene)Seidler. Ben Gunsch, Alex Berkes, Hans Pohl, and Gib Smith.

Chapel Service and burial of ashes will be held at Calvary Cemetery Chapel on June 22,2023 at 1:00pm 1405 S 24th Ave. Yakima, WA.