- Born on: November 20, 1930
- Departed on: June 4, 2025
- Resided in: Walker, IA
Darlene Elizabeth Seaman
Darlene Elizabeth Seaman, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 4, 2025, at the Hiawatha Care Center. She was born on November 20, 1930, in Marengo, Illinois, the daughter of Bernhardt and Lorena (Speich) Mortensen. The oldest of three children, Darlene graduated from Webb High School in Reedsburg, Wisconsin in 1949.
On May 30, 1953, she married the love of her life, Duane Seaman. Together, they built a life centered around family and community, settling in Walker, Iowa in 1972, where they lived until their passing. Darlene retired from Collins Radio and spent her retirement years enjoying life’s simple pleasures—her vegetable garden, canning, caring for her grandchildren and crocheting.
A proud and devoted member of the Walker American Legion Auxiliary, Darlene served as treasurer for 20 years and was honored as Unit Member of the Year in 2021. Each November, she looked forward to the Walker Fireman's Soup Supper, where she would fill a table with family and be serenaded with a chorus of "Happy Birthday" by the volunteer firemen—a tradition she cherished.
Above all, Darlene found her greatest joy in her family. Affectionately known as "Grandma Kitty"—a title lovingly earned from the outdoor cats she doted on—she created a home filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren recall hours spent at her house being read to, playing cards, racing around the yard, and walking barefoot in her garden. She had a heart as gentle as her spirit, often moved to tears by both joy and sorrow.
Darlene had a special way of showing love through food and thoughtful gestures. Her magical oatmeal soothed every worry and illness. Her family will always remember her delicious potato salad, pickle wraps, Amish sugar cookies, grape salad, banana bars, stacked enchiladas, and secret waffle recipe. She never missed a birthday or special occasion, always sending a card and a smile.
Darlene is survived by her daughter Mona (Roy) Blair of Walker and son Dale (Annette) Seaman of Mena, Arkansas; four grandchildren: Jeremy (Kelley) Reierson and their children Kylie (Wade), Kaley Darlene (Nick), Kelby, and Jeremy; Jennifer (Kenneth) Reierson Mims and their children Dalton (Bailey), Gabriella, Olivia Elizabeth, and Kinzlee; Megan Elizabeth (Dakota) Blair and daughter Jersey; and Brittney (Steven) Van Arsdale and their children Mya and Steven. She is also survived by her beloved sister Elaine (Robert) Yngsdal, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Harry, sister-in-law Joyce, and her husband Duane.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hiawatha Care Center and Mercy Hospice for their compassionate care in Darlene’s final days.
A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held on June 28th more details to follow.
On May 30, 1953, she married the love of her life, Duane Seaman. Together, they built a life centered around family and community, settling in Walker, Iowa in 1972, where they lived until their passing. Darlene retired from Collins Radio and spent her retirement years enjoying life’s simple pleasures—her vegetable garden, canning, caring for her grandchildren and crocheting.
A proud and devoted member of the Walker American Legion Auxiliary, Darlene served as treasurer for 20 years and was honored as Unit Member of the Year in 2021. Each November, she looked forward to the Walker Fireman's Soup Supper, where she would fill a table with family and be serenaded with a chorus of "Happy Birthday" by the volunteer firemen—a tradition she cherished.
Above all, Darlene found her greatest joy in her family. Affectionately known as "Grandma Kitty"—a title lovingly earned from the outdoor cats she doted on—she created a home filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren recall hours spent at her house being read to, playing cards, racing around the yard, and walking barefoot in her garden. She had a heart as gentle as her spirit, often moved to tears by both joy and sorrow.
Darlene had a special way of showing love through food and thoughtful gestures. Her magical oatmeal soothed every worry and illness. Her family will always remember her delicious potato salad, pickle wraps, Amish sugar cookies, grape salad, banana bars, stacked enchiladas, and secret waffle recipe. She never missed a birthday or special occasion, always sending a card and a smile.
Darlene is survived by her daughter Mona (Roy) Blair of Walker and son Dale (Annette) Seaman of Mena, Arkansas; four grandchildren: Jeremy (Kelley) Reierson and their children Kylie (Wade), Kaley Darlene (Nick), Kelby, and Jeremy; Jennifer (Kenneth) Reierson Mims and their children Dalton (Bailey), Gabriella, Olivia Elizabeth, and Kinzlee; Megan Elizabeth (Dakota) Blair and daughter Jersey; and Brittney (Steven) Van Arsdale and their children Mya and Steven. She is also survived by her beloved sister Elaine (Robert) Yngsdal, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Harry, sister-in-law Joyce, and her husband Duane.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hiawatha Care Center and Mercy Hospice for their compassionate care in Darlene’s final days.
A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held on June 28th more details to follow.
