Darlene Covert, 85, longtime Hiawatha resident, died Sunday, July 14, peacefully surrounded by family at Anew Health Care Center in Hiawatha.

She was born in Humboldt, Nebraska, April 6, 1939, one of eight children born to Roy and Stella Krenzel Bauer. Like her siblings, she attended schools in the surrounding area before moving to Hiawatha where she lived most of her life and raised her family. Darlene was not afraid of work, often times held down two jobs at once as she was a ‘single mom’ and would do whatever was needed to be done to support her family. Her first job was at Monarch Egg Plant in Hiawatha prior to working for Wilde Tool Company 30+ years, along with being a cook for Nokomis Restaurant and Cottonwood. Later years she spent working as a cook for BCDS (Brown County Developmental Services) along with being a nurse aide/CNA for Oak Ridge Acres Nursing Home, also in Hiawatha.

Darlene was a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. She was all about sports, KU Basketball and Cardinals Baseball (as if she had a choice)!

Survivors include two daughters: Jackie Bianchi (Tim) of Hiawatha, Sandy Walker of Mountain Home, Arkansas, a son Charlie Covert of Lawrence, her twin brother Darrell Bauer (Sara) of Hiawatha, Arlan Bauer (Debbie) of Wichita; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter, along with numerous nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Wayne Covert, Jr., grandson Robert Bianchi, her sister Esther Koeperich, four brothers: Donald Bauer, John Bauer, Harold ‘PeeWee’ Bauer and Harlan Bauer.

A celebration of Darlene's eternal life is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at Zion Lutheran Church, Hiawatha, with Pastor Brian Holle officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the Chapel Oaks FH Thursday and Friday until 5 p.m. The family will meet with friends at 9:30 until 11 a.m. prior to services Saturday. Memorial contributions are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.