Akers, Darlene (Harbaugh)1927-2020

AKERS, HARRIS, HARBAUGH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Darlene Akers passed away at the Guttenberg Care Center on December 16, 2020. She was born on a farm near Garber on May 26, 1927 to Malcolm and Opal (Harris) Harbaugh. She graduated from Colesburg High School in 1944. After graduation, she worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids until meeting her future husband. Darlene married Harley Akers on May 23, 1953 at St. Paul’s Church in Guttenberg. Four children were born to this union.

Darlene enjoyed being around people and her job choices reflected that. She spent many years owning and operating the Corner Cafe with her mother and husband. After the restaurant business, she was a secretary at Guttenberg Community School, a job where she loved the kids and the staff.

Darlene was a huge Elvis Presley fan. She collected many Elvis souvenirs throughout the years, and thanks to her brother Larry and his wife Eva, she had the joy of visiting Graceland. She never did get a drivers’ license, but did enjoy shopping, so she became an “armchair shopper” before it was cool. Another passion she had was jewelry; she wore it religiously and always had plenty of back-up.

Darlene was a member St. Paul’s Church, a member of TOPS for several years and which allowed her the enjoyment of attending some of the TOPS conventions. She was also a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Darlene especially enjoyed spending time and celebrations with her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. After her husband passed away, she was very fortunate to be surrounded by a special group of gal pals. These ladies shared many adventures, gatherings and just plain fun. This group embraced the phrase “Live, Laugh, Love.”

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her husband Harley in 1994, daughter Susan Sornchai in 2007, and son-in-law Peerapong Sornchai in 2020. She will be deeply missed by her children- Sharon (Luke) Kellner, Jim (Lynda) Akers, and Judy (Steve) Clefisch; Grandchildren -Adam (Jessica) Sornchai, Alex (Kristina) Sornchai, Lexi Sornchai, Mike Kellner, Tim Kellner, Gabe (Sarah) Kellner, Jessica (Nate) Nall, Danny Akers, Melanie Akers, Nichole (Mike) Plagge, and Travis Clefisch; 11 great grandchildren with another on the way, brother Larry (Eva) Harbaugh, sister-in-law Marjorie Akers, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Darlene always enjoyed reading, and had a special love for cats. Memorials may be directed to the Guttenberg Library, the Humane Society or an organization of choice.

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