Darlene June LaPorte, 90, of Galesburg, died at 12:40 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Heartland Health Care and Rehab, Galesburg.
Darlene was born November 5, 1928 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Daniel and Ina E. (Moline) Gabel. She married Ivan Francis LaPorte on August 21, 1948 in Burlington, Iowa. Darlene and Ivan had three sons, Steven (Sonda), Ivan (Holly), and Michael LaPorte all of Galesburg; one daughter, Michelle (Lee) Poye of Clay City, IN, they all survive. Darlene is also survived by her beloved five grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren. Ivan preceded Darlene in death on January 3, 1990. Darlene was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Daniel; and one grandson, Timothy LaPorte.
Darlene had a strong faith and was a member of Colonial Baptist Church, Galesburg. She loved to keep busy and enjoyed making people feel good about themselves. When the children were young, Darlene was active in the PTA. She enjoyed Elvis Presley, Betty Boop, Shirley Temple, and collecting porcelain dolls. Darlene enjoyed travelling, especially her two trips to Hawaii. She last worked as the assistant manager at Sandburg Village Apartments, where she worked for 14 years.
Memorial visitation will be 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2019 at Colonial Baptist Church, Galesburg with a memorial service following at 3 p.m. Pastor Darrell Grimm will officiate. Private burial will be at a later date at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, IA. Memorials may be made to the Colonial Baptist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.
