Wegenka, Darlene A. 1930-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

Darlene Ann Wegenka, 94, St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

She was born May 23, 1930, in St. Joseph, to Joseph and Florence (Jasper) Kerner. Darlene graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart and then earned her nursing certificate at Hillyard Technical Center.

Darlene married Gregory Joseph Wegenka on Sept. 8, 1951. He preceded her in death on Dec. 11, 1992.

She was a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital, then Heartland Health, for many years.

Faith played a central role in Darlene’s life. She was a longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where she was a member of St. Anne’s Altar Society.

Family was most important to Darlene. She loved her children and grandchildren and lit up whenever she was around them.

She enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Royals and Chiefs, and was an avid reader.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Gregory; her parents; grandson, Jerry Wegenka; and brothers, Stephen Kerner and Joseph Kerner.

Survivors include her children, Gregory Wegenka, Lynn Iffland (Chuck), Mark Wegenka (Wendy), Lorie White (Robert), Lisa Lounsbury (Todd), Matthew Wegenka (Sheila), Leanne Anderson (Todd), and David Wegenka (Stephanie); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous other extended family members and friends; and her special caregiver, Sharaon Hinderks.

Mass of Christian Burial and Public Livestream 10 a.m. Wednesday, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 5 p.m. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where the family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.