Darlene McSparran

1936 - 2026

Darlene Joyce McSparran, 90, of Dakota Dunes, S.D., passed away at her home on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Born February 25, 1936, Darlene was the daughter of Orville and Hope (Smith) Harbeck growing up in Sioux City. She graduated from Central High School and married Harold E. "Hal" McSparran on June 29, 1956, at Crescent Park Methodist Church. Together, they shared a remarkable life, spending 36 years in California where they owned an auto body business before retiring to the Siouxland area in 1992.

Darlene was a devoted homemaker and loving mother to her three children, Gregory (Mara) McSparran of San Diego, Calif.; Diana Eaves of Surprise, Ariz.; and Glenn (Elizabeth) McSparran of Murrieta, Calif. She and Hal also raised their granddaughter, Tiffany (David) Kissinger of Dakota Dunes. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished time spent with them. She was also a beloved Nana to grandchildren, Madison (Keith) Albright of Carlsbad, Calif., Tyler (Noela) McSparran-Acha of Kansas City, Mo., Max (Colette) McSparran of Vista, Calif., and Travis McSparran of Murrieta, Calif.; as well as great-grandchildren, Kade Albright, Makena Albright, and Destin McSparran-Acha.

Darlene loved reading and sharing books, daily walks, and getting together with her "SNL" widow's group.

Now reunited with her husband Hal, her parents, her brother, and other loved ones – her memory will live on in the closeness of her family and the foundation she built with Hal.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ashley and Madison at St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and to Tiffany's employer, the Food Bank of Siouxland, for their flexibility and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Bank of Siouxland, Inc. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date with immediate family.