Darlene Marie Bossen
March 8, 1941 - May 4, 2022

Darlene M. Bossen was born March 8, 1941 in Council Bluffs, IA to Peter J. and Clara A. Lefeber of Portsmouth , IA. She died in her home in Elkhorn, NE on May 4, 2022 with her Husband and many of her children and grandchildren close beside her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Clara Lefeber of Portsmouth, IA; her sister Kathleen (Dick) Miller of Anaheim, CA; her brother Harold (Cleo) Lefeber of Minden, IA; her beloved daughter Angela K. (Tim) West of Bennington, NE and a step-son Mark Allen Bossen of Council Bluffs, IA.

Darlene is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years Bruce A. Bossen of Elkhorn, her daughters, Kimberly (Orrin) Tryon of Eagle, NE, Laura (Russ) Plott of Chandler, AZ, Karla (Todd) Zaracki of Cedar Creek, NE; her son, Michael (Tina) Bossen of Gilbert, AZ and her step-children Jeff (Angie) Bossen of Janesville, CA and Kelly Young of Harlan, IA; her sister Verdella (Marlin) Sidebottom of Council Bluffs, IA. She is also survived by 10 wonderful grandchildren; Ashley (Jay) Russell, Bryan (Meghan) Stroyek, Mark (Alison) Allison, Erin (Austin) Kaczor, Brieanne (Jesse) Abbott, Taylor (Austin) Kuenning, Todd (Peyton) Zaracki Jr, Kaylee West all from the Omaha area and Sydney Bossen of Gilbert AZ; 9 great-grandchildren Nathan, Brooklyn, Charlie, Caroline, Henry, Claire, Marley, Banks and Waylon; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Darlene was a devoted mother and grandmother. As a young mother, she raised her children and found ways to contribute to the family finances as she taught ceramic classes from the home, helped with the rental properties that they acquired and found other odd jobs that she could recruit the kids to help her as well. When all of her children were in school, she began her career at Supra Color Photo Lab where she worked until she retired.
In the early years of their marriage, Darlene was a "stay at home mom" except for a brief period when she worked for Dale Manuf. In Columbus, NE. She and Bruce enjoyed square dancing and bowling, and there were lots family camping and fishing trips to western Nebraska and even a few cross-country road trips with all five kids in tow.

The Florida Keys were her "Happy Place" until the hurricanes damaged their campground in the Keys, causing them to move further North to the Road-Runner TravelPark in Fort Pierce, FL where they fished the Indian River Inland Water-way out of their little 16' Lund Pike boat as well as the ocean surf, extending their stay each year by a few days until they would eventually remain until spring.
Darlene was an avid fisher and she loved the thrill of reeling in her catch, (with numerous citations for the BIGGEST and for the most fish caught); but most of all, cooking her catch and making it their evening meal. It was a place where long, strong friendships and bonds were formed that still remain today. She looked forward to the holiday pot-luck dinners, shopping with her friends at the flea markets and a nice long walk in the early morning with her dog Mollie. But "Happy Hour" was her favorite time where fish stories were told and where everyone shared the stories of their families, and their lives and tribulations.

Two of the last items on her bucket-list were to go on "just one more cruise" (Alaska was her dream) and to be able to get back to the beach where she could kick off her sandals, walk on the warm sand, and throw a line into the water as she watched yet another sunrise and promise that the new day brings.

Darlene was loved very deeply by her family and she will be missed greatly! May she rest in peace and may all of the items on her bucket list be granted in her new Heavenly Home!

There will be a Celebration of Life with Family & Friends Sunday May 22nd, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church - 20050 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE. Everyone is also welcome to join us for a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.

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