DeWitt, Iowa - Darlene Cooper, 87, of DeWitt, Iowa, died peacefully Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Wheatland Manor, Wheatland, Iowa.

Darlene Doris Cooper was born June 25, 1938, at home in Toledo, Iowa to John and Bernice (Spinler) Vore. She attended Toledo High School. Darlene married Willmer Cooper on February 19, 1956, at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Toledo. The couple enjoyed 63 years of joyful marriage. Darlene worked most of her life alongside her husband in the grocery business. Later in life, she worked for the State of Iowa Juvenile Division, retiring from there. Willmer preceded her in death March 13, 2019.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, DeWitt. Darlene enjoyed family time, camping, bowling, attending Iowa Hawkeye games, gardening, cooking and baking, supporting her children's activities, and lending a hand with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her children and their spouses, Steven and Emily Cooper of Venice, Florida, Cheryl and James Paasch of Clinton, Mark and Maggie Cooper of Sun City West, Arizona, Penny and David St. Ores of Naples, Florida, and Kelly and Robert Determann of Camanche; twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Della Vavroch, Darrell (Marilyn) Vore, DeLoris HasBrouck, and Darla (Al) Luzum; nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Paasch.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the United Methodist Church, DeWitt from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026. A service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church with Pastor Jeff Bixby officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt, following the service. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church, DeWitt.

Cremation is being performed by the Schultz Funeral Home family at their crematory in DeWitt. Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.