Darleen Francis McLaughlin
September 27, 1924 – September 6, 2022
Darleen F. McLaughlin passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, Iowa. A family graveside service will be held at the Ames municipal cemetery at a later date.
Daughter to Albert and May (Rothman) Wegher, Darleen was born on September 24, 1924, in New Castle, Wyoming. The family moved to Sioux City, Iowa, when she was a young girl. After her high school sweetheart, Ken McLaughlin, returned from serving during World War II, they married on June 14, 1946. They moved to Ames, Iowa, where Ken attended college and became an engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation. They raised three boys and served in the Collegiate United Methodist Church.
She enjoyed family camping trips, gardening, sewing, and several other craft projects. She was a member of P.E.O. and Questers and volunteered at the church in various capacities. She and Ken enjoyed attending shows at the Des Moines Playhouse with friends. Most of all they enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. Ken was the love of Darleen’s life and they spent 62 years together before his passing in 2008.
Darleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ken; her grandson Matt McLaughlin; brothers Kenny, Rudy, and Buddy Wegher; and sisters Judy Culver, and Joyce Murphy.
She is survived by her children, Mike (Jan) McLaughlin of Norwalk, Greg (Sue) McLaughlin of Ames, and Scott (Diana) McLaughlin of Boone; her grandchildren, Stacey, Michelle, Jennifer, Shelly, Cole, and Kyle; as well as 8 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and three sisters.