Darlene Strehle, 92, of West Point, died Saturday, April 6, 2024 at CountryHouse Residence in Lincoln.  Memorial Services will be 10:30am on Thursday, April 11 at Trinity Church in West Point with Rev. Priscilla Hukki officiating.  The memorial service will be live-streamed on the Stokely Funeral Home Facebook page at facebook.com/stokelyfuneralhome.  Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the church hall.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 3:00pm to 7:00pm with family receiving friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Stokely Funeral Home in West Point.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to GACC Endowments or Trinity Church.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Darlene Virginia Strehle was born on June 23, 1931 to Harry and Myrtle (Carlson) Henry in West Point.  She grew up on a farm east of West Point where she enjoyed playing with her 6 sisters and nearby cousins.  Darlene graduated from West Point Public High School in 1949 and was the valedictorian of her class. She found her lifelong partner in James Strehle, whom she married on December 27, 1950, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point. Together, they owned Strehle’s Cafe for seven memorable years.  For 33 years, she dedicated herself as the secretary to State Senator William H. Hasebroock.  Following this tenure, she embarked on a new chapter as a sales associate for West Point Realty, where she flourished for over two decades.

Beyond her professional achievements, Darlene’s heart was deeply woven into the fabric of her community. She was an active member of the West Point Jaycees, Franciscan Healthcare Auxiliary, and PEO, consistently seeking ways to uplift those in need. Her passion for the arts was demonstrated in her involvement with the West Point Community Theatre.  She was the chairman of Cuming County Easter Seals and the visionary behind the annual Tree of Love at First National Bank in West Point. An ambassador for St. Joseph’s Retirement Community, Darlene spent decades helping organize their annual garage sale. In 2008, her remarkable contributions were recognized with the Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, a testament to her enduring impact on the community she cherished.

A consummate hostess, Darlene found joy in gathering friends and family for festive celebrations, where her culinary prowess shone brightly. From dinners to desserts, she poured her love into every dish, ensuring that no one left her home without a full heart and a satisfied palate.  She distributed her homemade goodies to everyone she encountered. Above all, Darlene’s greatest source of pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate their milestones, cherishing each birthday and anniversary with affection.

Survivors include her children and their families:

Daughter, Ann Strehle (Barb Skurdal) of Beulah, MI

Son, Greg (Rita) Strehle of West Point

• Chris (Melinda) – Mason, Kenna, Ella, Duke, Bo; West Point
• Nick (Katie) – Tia, Levi, Will, Betsy; West Point
• Josh (Valerie) – Drake, Cooper, Vivyan; Panora, IA
• Luke (Ashley) – Clayton, Brecken, Sutton, Brynn, Lainey; West Point
• Adam (Sarah) – Jax, Eli, Kye, Ava; Creighton
• Nate (Katie) – Kaidyn, Addison, June; West Point
• Jessica (Scott) Heiser – Evan, Blake, Jordan; Lincoln

Daughter, Jane (Gene) Parks of Lincoln

• Michaela (Kyle) Sayler – Elodie, Merrick; Auburn
• Austin (Leah) – Sloane, Palmer; Omaha
• Conrad (Kelly) – Charlotte, Felicity, Nathan; Chesterfield, MO
• Landon (Jessica) – Isaac, Andrew, Gianna, Xavier; Lincoln
• Spencer (Erica) – Bennett, Cameron; Lincoln

And brother-in-law, Robert Engelhardt of Urbandale, IA.

Darlene is preceded in death by her husband, James in 2020; sisters, Hazel (Harold) Thompson, Minerva (Floyd) Erickson, Vernelle (Richard) Miller, Audrey (Wayne) Frerichs, Junavae (Arlin) Feyerherm, and Maxine Engelhardt; and grandson, Nathan Parks.