KENSETT — Darlene Ann Stephani, 74, of Kensett, a loving mother and aunt remembered for making others feel welcome and cherished, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center following an unexpected illness. She was under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
A celebration of life was held Friday, August 7, 2026, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City. A reception followed in the funeral home’s Denison Room.
Darlene will be laid to rest at Manly Cemetery at a later date beside her beloved son, Danny Jo.
She was born October 31, 1951, at Park Hospital in Mason City to Isadore Michael and Ruth Irene Stowell Stephani.
Darlene spent her earliest years in Mason City before her family moved to Manly, where she grew up with her three sisters. She attended North Central schools and earned her GED in 1982.
She continued her education at North Iowa Area Community College, graduating in 1984 after studying horticulture. The field suited Darlene’s enduring interest in plants and gardening.
Throughout her working life, Darlene found purpose in caring for people and cultivating plants. She worked at the Manly Park Grill, Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Manly Nursing Home and Hebel & Son Greenhouse.
She was also employed at Dick’s Tap and spent many years working at Fleetguard in Lake Mills.
Becoming a mother to her son, Danny Jo, brought Darlene her greatest happiness. She proudly supported his accomplishments and shared her time with other young people by serving for seven years as a Cub Scout leader and Scout leader coach.
Darlene shared her life with Lee Smith until his death in 1986. She married Michael Clark on April 3, 1999, in Manly. Together, they enjoyed a life grounded in family, faith and everyday happiness until Michael’s death in 2018.
She was a faithful member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Manly.
Darlene appreciated life’s quieter pleasures, including gardening, caring for plants, reading, camping, fishing and spending time outdoors. She also enjoyed card games and shooting pool.
A talented cook, Darlene created meals that brought her family together around the table. Her home was known as a place filled with warmth, laughter and an open invitation to those she loved.
She treasured her nieces and nephews, celebrating their milestones and making sure they understood how deeply they were loved.
Darlene is survived by her sisters, Annette and Regan Banks of Houston, Texas, and Doris Payne of Mason City; nieces and nephews Dawn Yancy, Steven Yancy, Nicole and Clifford Crenshaw, Damingo Banks, and Wyona and Donald Jackson; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; extended relatives; and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Isadore and Ruth Stephani; husband Michael Clark; son Danny Stephani; sister Sharlene Yancy; and niece Elizabeth Stephani.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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