Obituaries : Darlene Marie Schinker

Darlene Marie Schinker, 89, of Norway, IA passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the Mercy Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha on Sunday December 6, 2020.

Darlene was born April 25, 1931 in Lamont, IA, the daughter of Lee M. and Fern J. (Brace) Lane. She graduated from Norway High School in 1948 and married Wilfred A. Schinker on June 9, 1949, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Norway. They were married for over 71 years. Darlene began her employment at her father's creamery in Norway, as the secretary and bookkeeper. Later she became a longtime Avon representative before joining the U.S. Postal Service. After 27 years she retired in 1992 with her last 15 years as the Postmaster of Norway, IA.

During her postmaster years Darlene was coordinator for the Career Awareness Program and the Ben Franklin Stamp Club in the Cedar Rapids MSC. Additionally, she was on the board of Kirkwood Community College's Beyond Rubies program and the board of Cedar Rapids Community Concerts.

Over the years she traveled with Wilfred across the US, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Canada, with many visits to Colorado to see the grandchildren.

Darlene was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Norway. Darlene is loved and survived by her husband, Wilfred; daughter, Cynthia (Mike) Isbell of Colorado, sons, Lynn, Douglas and Lee all of Norway; 2 grandsons, Johnathan (Aarika) Isbell and Nicholas Isbell as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Velita and Roberta.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

Darlene's favorite quote was "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to know just when the hands will stop, at a later or early hour. So now is the only time we have. Love, live, work with a will. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW FOR THE HANDS MAY THEN BE STILL."

Due to Covid a private family service will be December 11, 2020 at St. Michael's Church, Norway with Father Craig Steimel officiating. Burial will take place at St. Michael's Cemetery, Norway.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com

Brosh funeral service of Norway is assisting the family.