Darlene Pope Polzin

Darlene Pope Polzin, 88, of Des Moines passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 18th surrounded by family members.

Darlene was born on November 27, 1936 to Virgil and Dorothy (Canfield) Pope in Saskatchewan, Canada. She attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Tisdale, Sask. She lost her dad in 1943 soon after moving with her family to Wisconsin, USA in 1941. She learned to be strong and independent through her younger years. There was not a thing she could not do, probably better than the boys.

She graduated from Clinton High School and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, School of Business. It was in college that Darlene met Donald Polzin; they married in 1955. She and Don raised their family of four boys and one girl and moved to Ankeny Iowa in 1968. They soon built a second home at Lake Panorama where they experienced many years of enjoyment. Darlene worked multiple jobs, although her primary focus was taking care of the needs of her family. Darlene loved getting together with the families of her two brothers and four sisters as well as Dons two brothers.

Darlene had many talents including golf, knitting, playing bridge, debating and sports. She was also an adventurer and participated in an Archeological Dig in Isreal. After their children graduated from Ankeny High School and after Don took early retirement, she and Don spent two years serving in the Peace Corps in Western Samoa in the South Pacific. Shortly after returning, they sold their lake home and moved to Des Moines where they both last lived.

Darlene is survived by her children, Dan Polzin, Pamela (Russ) Schroeder, Gregg (Susy) Polzin, and Michael Polzin as well as her grandchildren Jenifer Wasson, Melissa (Erik) Kyler, Brian (Jess) Schroeder, Alex (Ellen) Polzin, Ben Polzin, Molly (Wes) Henry, Jack (Haley) Polzin, and Jacob (Alexa) Polzin Middleton and twelve great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son Clayton, her husband Donald, brothers Don and Lindsay, sisters Dorothy, Jennie, Mary and Shirley and her parents.

In accordance with Darlene’s wishes, there will be no service; the family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. Darlene has donated her body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. The family extends their gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and the care team members for the wonderful care they provided for Darlene.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Young Women’s Resource Center in Darlene’s name. Young Women’s Resource Center, 818 5th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309; (515) 244-4901.

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