Darlene A. Irwin

Darlene A. Irwin, of Mt. Carroll, IL, formerly of Hanover, IL, passed away Wednesday, November 16, at Allure Nursing Home in Mt. Carroll. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, at the Hanover United Presbyterian Church in Hanover. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.

Darlene was born April 26, 1934, daughter of Phillip and Zela (Buss) Frontz. She grew up in Mineral Point, WI, attending the small country school, and graduating from Mineral Point High School. After graduating Darlene worked at a shoe store in Madison, WI, then moved home to help her mom, and work as a telephone operator. One day, while showing cattle in Warren, IL, Darlene met Dale Irwin, who she later married. The couple moved to the Irwin family farm in Hanover, and had three children.

In Hanover Darlene worked raising her children, and helping on the farm, milking cows morning and night. Darlene also began working at Eaton Valves and Controls, where she stayed for over twenty years until it closed. Darlene also worked for a time at Woods Manufacturing in Mt. Carroll, until her retirement.

Darlene spent many years learning how to knit different designs of afghans and sweaters through the years for her children and friends. For a number of years Darlene was the Aces 4-H Club leader. She was also an active member of the United Presbyterian Church in Hanover. Darlene loved animals big and small, and over the years raised orphaned pigs and calves that were given to her. When Darlene married Dale, Grandpa Irwin saw something in her right away. He saw her keen eye in always picking the best cattle, and held her talents in high regard.

Darlene knew the meaning of a hard days work. She instilled this work ethic in her children, and the strength to overcome the difficulties of life with a smile.

Darlene will be dearly missed by her three children, Dan Irwin of Stockton, IL, Devon (Patricia Kmetz) Irwin of Moline, IL, and Nanette (George) Irwin Guerra; four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Avis Frontz.

Darlene’s family would like to thank all the employees of the former Elizabeth Nursing Home who where there for her for over 10 years, and to Allure of Mt. Carroll, for taking care of Darlene for these two last difficult years.