Darlene Koellner

Darlene Mary Anna Koellner, 89, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Monday, Feb 3, 2025 in Bettendorf, Iowa at Clarissa C Cook Hospice House. 

Darlene (Luze) was born in White, SD to Minnie (Rost) and Frank Luze on February 17, 1935. She attended White School District graduating in 1953. She attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls. She met the love of her life, Hans Koellner, at The Arkota Ballroom and Arthur Murray Dance Studio. They were united in marriage May 27, 1961 in Sioux Falls. They made their home and raised their family in Brandon, SD. They were married for 29 years until his death in June 1990. 

Darlene enriched her life as a homemaker, dancing with her husband, enjoyed sewing, bowling on multiple leagues, involved with Girl Scouts, singing in the church choir, being a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church (Faith United Church), attending Bible studies, having lunch with a Red Hats ladies group, going to Christian Women’s luncheons, quilting at Active Generations, holding season tickets to community concerts and plays, traveling to visit family, and cherished time spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Hans, parents Minnie and Frank Luze, brother Dale Luze, brother-in-laws William “Bill” Moeller and William “Sonny” Marquardt. 

Grateful for sharing in her life are her children, Lynne Koellner, Stamford, CT; Robin (Dale) Dollenbacher, Bettendorf, IA; Blair (Tammy) Koellner, Yankton, SD; grandchildren, Terrill Koellner, Castlewood, SD, Bryce Koellner, Sioux Falls, SD, Liza (Thaddeus) Mathews, Aurora, CO, Ranissa Koellner, Sioux Falls, SD, Matthew (Riley) Dollenbacher, Mayfield, KY, and James Ingals and Alison, Yankton, SD; and great grandchildren, Jordan, Payton, Serenity, and Jeremiah; sister-in-laws, Eleanor Luze, Merrill, IA, Jean Moeller Freeman, Battle Lake, MN, and Mary Ann Marquardt, Le Sueur, MN; along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

Memorials can be given to Faith United Church, 800 N Splitrock, Brandon, SD 57005 or Clarissa C Cook Hospice House, 2546 Tech Drive, Bettendorf, IA 52722.  A special thank-you to Clarissa C Cook Hospice House staff for the care, support, and kindness that Darlene and her family received.