Darlene Mae Louise Havlicek Whittle

Darlene Mae Louise Havlicek Whittle, a long-time resident of Monona, Iowa passed away on January 27, 2026 at the age of 99. Darlene was born on December 21, 1926 to James S. Havlicek and Emma (Mueller) Havlicek of Monona. She graduated from Monona High School in 1944 and married Adelbert (Butch) Whittle on October 15, 1946 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monona.

Three children were born to this union: Larry, Doug, and Diane.

Darlene was an active member of St. Patrick’s Rosary Society and Secretary/Treasurer of the Clayton County chapter of WRLC (Women’s Rural Letter Carriers). Over their lifetime, she was an active participant, alongside her husband, in building their four houses in Monona. For many years, Darlene joined her husband in assuming the custodial role for St. Patrick’s rectory, church, hall, and cemetery for many years.

As part of Governor Robert Ray’s Southeast Asian refugee resettlement program, St. Patrick’s Parish sponsored a Vietnamese family in 1975. Darlene and Butch were actively engaged in helping the family acclimate to their new American home. They were honored to be godparents for one of the first children born after the family settled in Monona.

Darlene loved gardening--both vegetables and flowers. She enjoyed fishing, reading, and playing cards. Her interests expanded into genealogy, resulting in an extensive collection of family history of both the Whittle and Havlicek lineages.

Darlene and Butch moved from Monona to Walnut Ridge Retirement Center in Clive, IA in 2021, to be near their son and daughter-in-law, Doug & Dianne.

Family members who celebrate the gift of Darlene include: husband Adelbert (Butch); Daughter-in-law Mona Whittle; grandson Travis (Rebecca) Whittle, great grandchildren Adelbert “Del” and Frank; grandson Brandon (Kristin) Whittle, great-grandchildren Gavin and Adalyn; son Doug Whittle (Dianne), granddaughter Blair (Matt) Patterson, great-grandchildren Nolan, Evan, and Andrew; daughter Diane (Mark) Turczynski, grandson Michael (Marni) Turczynski; Niece Kathy (Geraghty) Pixler and many other relatives.

On January 27, 2026, Darlene joined loved ones who preceded her in death: son Larry Whittle; granddaughter Anna Turczynski; parents James & Emma (Mueller) Havlicek; Sisters Irene (Harry) Kliefoth, Dorothy (Ray) Hinzman, Margaret (Elton) Kennett, Donna (Ivan) Melcher, Adeline Havlicek, and Esther Havlicek; Brothers: Donald (Marlys) Havelick; Clarence (Bernita) Havelick; many nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at Walnut Ridge, who, from the day Darlene and Butch arrived as residents, surrounded them with love and support.

The Walnut Ridge Skilled Care staff honored Darlene at a Memorial and Procession of Honor on January 27. A family mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date in Monona.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Doug Whittle, 4809 147th Street, Urbandale, IA 50323. Memorials in Darlene’s memory may be given to the Walnut Ridge Care Center, The Clive EMS, or Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University.

Click here to visit the Leonard-Grau Funeral Home website.