Darlene "Mert" Pfiffner

Darlene "Mert" Pfiffner, 89, of Dubuque, died Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.
Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:15 am Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Church of the Resurrection.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Darlene will be 10:30 am Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant.
Darlene was born May 13, 1935, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Elmer and Marie (Zugenbuehler) Friedell. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque in 1953. On September 6, 1958, she married Jerry Pfiffner in Dubuque.
Darlene was a religious education teacher at the Church of the Nativity in Midland Park, NJ, a volunteer at the youth shelter in Laguna Beach, CA, and a PTA volunteer in Midland Park, NJ, where she was affectionately known as "the plant lady." She also played on bowling leagues in Iowa, New Jersey, and California. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family.
Survivors include her husband, Jerry; her four children, Christian (Dee) Pfiffner of Reno, NV; Rachel (Scott) Olson of Hillsdale, NJ; Mark Pfiffner of Dubuque; and Paula (Brad) Mason of Ridgewood, NJ; five grandchildren, Robert Olson, Grace Olson, Bennett Mason, Grant Mason and Reed Mason; one brother, Rev. Ronald Friedell; three sisters-in-law, Carol Hannan, Connie Anwar-Pfiffner, and Mary Kay (Don) Sisler; and one brother-in-law, Tom Pfiffner.
Besides her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by four siblings, Rev. John Friedell, Rose Mary (John) McGovern, Lois (Bill) Burds, and Anita Uebelhart; brothers- and sisters-in-law, William Hannan, Keith Anwar, and Irma Pfiffner.
Darlene's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care and support.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.