Darlene Kay Lerch

Darlene Kay (Straka) Lerch, 81, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Funeral Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Clark Cemetery in Central City, Iowa.

Darlene was born May 19, 1945, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, the daughter of Paul and Bernice (Taylor) Straka. On October 28, 1972, Darlene was united in marriage to Larry Lerch. Darlene worked for Rockwell Collins. After her sons were born, she stayed home to raise her family and manage the Lerch household.

She enjoyed working on genealogy, volunteering at St. Joseph Catholic Church and school, caring for her grandchildren and spending time with them, cooking, playing various musical instruments, and singing in the church choir.

Darlene is survived by and is lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry Lerch of Marion; sons, Andrew (Michelle) Lerch and Timothy (Teri Pierce) Lerch; and three grandchildren, Madelyn (21), Maria (18), and Olivia (18).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Bernice Straka; three brothers, Joseph “Joe” Straka, Clyde Straka, and Don Straka; sister, Vera; brother-in-law, Randy Anderson; and many aunts and uncles.