Darlene Ida (Olson) Haindfield Lueck, a beloved matriarch, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Whispering Creek Senior Living in Sioux City, IA, at the age of 97. Born on May 23, 1928, in Sioux City to Theodore and Lena (Gullickson) Olson, Darlene was the youngest of eight children. She attended various grade schools and attended Whiting and Sloan High Schools, graduating in 1946 at Sloan.

On March 8, 1947, Darlene was united in marriage with Darl Joseph Haindfield in Compton, CA. Together, they welcomed six children: Carolyn, Mark, Marlin, Barton, Terry, and Rene. After the passing of her husband Darl in 1985, Darlene found love again, marrying Kenneth Lueck on September 16, 1992, in Sioux City.

Throughout her life, Darlene held a variety of occupations, including roles as a secretary at Sears and Jolly Time Popcorn, an ambulance dispatch employee, and an interior home decorator. However, her most significant role and greatest pride was as a devoted homemaker, where she embraced the joys daily parenting brought. A favorite memory among her family was her unwavering dedication to their lives. She often made time to chauffeur her children to sports games, music activities, and various school events, sharing countless adventures in hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. This devotion extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as she remained actively engaged in their lives, always inquiring about their activities and growth.

Darlene was known for her exceptional patience, warmth, and kindness, coupled with a remarkable optimistic outlook on life. Her cheerful spirit shone brightly in her home as she began the mornings with her children by singing, “Let the sun shine in, Face it with a grin!” This joyful tradition continued as she welcomed her grandchildren for visits. Her caring and uplifting spiritual attitude left a positive impact within the communities she lived, as she was a devoted Christian who regularly attended Skien Lutheran Church in Sloan (Albaton) and St. Luke Lutheran in Sioux City, fostering her continued faith throughout life.

Darlene was an avid fan of games and puzzles, often seen playing Scrabble or Rummikub, and always having a picture puzzle or crossword within reach at Whispering Creek. She was an avid reader of a variety of genres, which fueled her love for learning and discovery. Among her proudest accomplishments was a temporary employment stint at Glacier National Park Lodge in 1986, following the passing of Darl. This was a significant adventure that brought her joy during a challenging time. Darlene was also proud of her Norwegian heritage and cherished a trip to Norway with her daughter and granddaughter, a highlight she often reminisced about fondly. Uff da! Additionally, she loved hiking at the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar near Onawa, relishing the beauty of prairies and forests.

Darlene leaves behind her loving family, including her daughter Carolyn (Darold) Clausen; sons Mark (Julie) Haindfield, Marlin Haindfield, Barton Haindfield, and Terry (Kristi) Haindfield; grandchildren Michelle (Angelo) Cox, Jeremy Clausen, Matthew (Danielle) Haindfield, Ryan (Jerri) Haindfield, Sarah (Travis) Jewett, Kyle (fiancée Dana Hageman) Haindfield, Rachel (Nick Thompson) Haindfield, Shane (Teresa) Haindfield, Adam Haindfield, Tracy (Sean) Leang, Preston Haindfield, and Venus (Jose) Cruz; and a legacy of 26 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Darlene is preceded in death by her husbands Darl Haindfield and Kenneth Lueck; her parents Theodore and Lena Olson; brothers Wilbur Olson, Maurice Olson, Dale Olson, and Robert Olson; sisters Evelyn Copple, Bernice Dryden, and Vera Scoonover; her son Rene Haindfield; her granddaughter Shauna Haindfield; her great granddaughter Amelia Jewett.

The family will honor Darlene's life with a visitation on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, located at 6200 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA. Honorary pallbearers will be Darlene's grandchildren. Following the service, there will be refreshments served at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Darlene will be remembered for her joyous spirit, loving heart, and unwavering faith—a true testament to a life well-lived. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.