Darlene Dorothy Gebel

 

   Darlene Dorothy Gebel age 88, of New Hampton, formerly of Lawler, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at her home.

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, with Rev. Tyler Raymond celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Lawler.

   Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, where there will be a 3:15 p.m. Rosary. Visitation continues for one hour before the Mass at the church in Lawler on Friday.

   Darlene Dorothy Gebel, born on April 6, 1938, to Edward and Elizabeth (Heley) Busta at their home near Fort Atkinson, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, surrounded by her children.

   Darlene grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse near the family farm through 8th grade. On April 8, 1958, she was united in marriage to Francis Gebel at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Little Turkey, Iowa. Together, Francis and Darlene farmed west of Lawler before moving to New Hampton, Iowa, in 2011.

   From a young age, Darlene was a hardworking individual. As a teenager, she took pride in assisting with “baby cases” and farm threshing. She later worked at Sara Lee from its opening until its closing (1972-2000). Following her time there, she spent her years enjoying cleaning houses for others and cooking at the Waverly Horse Sales.

   An exceptional cook and baker, Darlene was widely known for sharing her homemade treats with family, neighbors, friends, and residents of local nursing homes. She was especially famous for her delicious kolaches, along with rolicky, zelnicky, orange slice bars, cookies, and countless other baked goods. In her free time, she enjoyed playing bingo, visiting the casino, playing cards, and listening to polka music. Above all, Darlene truly enjoyed people—everyone was her friend. Her friendship and baking will be deeply missed.

   Survivors include her children: Karen (Albert) Kuhn – from Decorah, Theresa (Greg) Hudecek – from Protivin, and Paul (Karen) Gebel – from Denver; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, with a 13th arriving in September; and in-laws Geraldine Busta, Angie Busta, Karen Busta, Sandy Busta, Mary Lou Busta, Tuffy Blue, and Diana Gebel.

   She was preceded in death by: her husband, Francis Gebel (2017); her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Busta; her siblings, Lorraine (Ed) Panos, Gladys (Richard) Balik, Elizabeth (Betty) Busta, Walter Busta, Edward Busta, Bernard Busta, Arnold Busta, and James Busta; and in-laws LeRoy (Mary) Gebel, Robert (Rita) Gebel, Joseph Gebel, Marilyn (Francis Burns, James Leibold), Lucille (Francis) Reicks, Leona (Luke) Kriener, Doris (Raymond “Bud”) Balik, Jean Hageman, and Loretta (Pete) Kleve.