Memorial
Darlene May McDaniel, 93, of Cedar Rapids received her angel wings, passing peacefully on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 with family by her side. A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Post 788 at 3240 South Gate Place SW Cedar Rapids from 1-4pm on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is caring for Darlene and family.
Darlene was born May 5, 1925 to Peter and Severie Larson in Nevada, Iowa. She graduated from Nevada High School class of 1943. On February 17, 1946 Darlene married Robert McDaniel, a Japanese POW, and became an Army wife stationed with Robert in Virginia, Missouri, California and South Dakota. Two daughters were born to the couple. After Robert’s medical discharge from the Army in 1959 they settled in Rapid City, South Dakota. Robert died in 1961. Darlene along with her daughters moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to be close to other family members. In 1988 Darlene met Ed Horn, a Pearl Harbor survivor. Their companionship lasted for 26 years with them being seen on the dance floor at the VFW and Elks club plus trips to Minnesota-Iowa Football games. Ed died in 2014 at the age of 98. Darlene devoted her life to her daughters and family giving up things to make sure they were happy and cared for. She was a classy lady with spunk who wouldn’t accept help unless she rewarded you. She loved trips to the casino and sharing meals out with family. Darlene was a member of the Gold Star Wives of American and VFW Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Viola Johnson, grandson-in-law Adam Gangestad, brother-in-laws Marion Cessna and Dale Johnson and her beloved friend Ed Horn.
Survivors include daughters Linda (Kerry) Dills of Cedar Rapids, and Roberta “Bobbi” Decker of Tyler, Texas; grandchildren Robert (Jennifer) Dills, Jobi Gangestad, Dawn Decker, Dae Decker, Megan Decker, and Heidi (Brady) Decker; great-grandchildren Devin Dills, Dax (Myriah)Dills, Kobie Dills, Kenzie Dills, Lacey Gangestad, Riley Gangestad and Dane Chittick; sisters Pearl Cooling and Mickey Cessna; niece Penny Preston, nephews John and Scott (Kathy) Cessna, Harlan, Harold, Joel (Barb) Johnson and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Darlene left an imprint on everyone who knew her and was the heart of her family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who gave more than she received and will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank Unity Point Hospice for giving care and comfort to Darlene and her family on her final journey.