Darlene R. Prusa

Mass of Christian Burial for Darlene R. Prusa, age 90, of Stanton, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Stanton. Reverend Patrick McLaughlin will be the celebrant, with interment in Stanton Cemetery.
The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.
Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service.
Home for Funerals-Stanton is in charge of arrangements.
Darlene passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Stanton Health Center.
Darlene Rose Karel, daughter of Longin and Rosie (Drahota) Karel, was born December 3, 1934, at her parents' home in rural Colfax County, Nebraska. She later lived on a farm with her parents in Stanton County. After graduating from eighth grade, Darlene began working for families in their homes caring for their children and helping with the household chores. Some families included the Cisler's and the Kmoch's in rural Stanton County. The last family that she helped care for was Lester and Alice Scheer's children in Norfolk, Nebraska.
It was during that time that Darlene met her future husband, Robert Prusa, at a dance. She enjoyed watching him play baseball on the Dimick Dudes team. After their marriage on August 23, 1955, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Leigh, Nebraska, Darlene became a farm wife, helping to raise six children, Longin, Cheryl, John, Jim, Sandra, and Barbara. She always had a large garden, canning and freezing produce each year. She raised chickens, selling eggs and filling the freezer with fresh chicken. Darlene worked alongside Robert in the fields and with the livestock all the while caring for the home and her children.
Darlene was a "made from scratch" type cook and baker. Her kolaches and horn rolls were some of the best that you could find. In fact, she baked horn rolls for all six of her children's wedding receptions. Darlene was also famous for her amazing apple pies. You didn't ever leave their home hungry.
Robert and Darlene spent countless hours on the dance floor, enjoying polkas and waltzes, passing their tradition to the next generations. Darlene's love of music was evident in her last few years while residing at Stanton Health Center. She let out many "woo hoos" while listening to entertaining music in the solarium. Darlene was comforted many nights in her last year, falling asleep to the relaxing sounds of the Kevin Koopman polka band CDs.
She was very active in attending her children's school events, she and Robert sponsored band trips on several occasions. They continued to follow the activities of their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as long as they were able.
After the children were grown, Darlene worked part-time at Casey's General Store in Stanton for a while and then worked in the cafeteria at Stanton Junior/Senior High School for a few years. She enjoyed being around people. Darlene loved to crochet and embroider as well.
She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church most of her married life and a member of the Altar Society. Darlene was also a member of St. Mary's/Sacred Heart Parish in Norfolk. She and Robert were both very active at the Norfolk Senior Citizens Center. They loved helping serve meals, help with activities, cards and crafts, often picking up and taking back home those who could no longer drive. Darlene loved puzzles, her "lucky" trips to the casino, and playing pitch. She and Robert taught their grandchildren the game so that they could play whenever they were together.
Darlene is survived by her children, Longin (Julie) Prusa of Norfolk, Cheryl (Al) Wolverton of Stanton, John (Rhonda) Prusa of Stanton, Jim (Deb) Prusa of Effingham, IL, Sandra (late Mike) Race of Stanton, and Barb (Doug) Kelley of Sioux Falls, SD; 21 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in August of 2024; parents, Longin Karel and Rosie Karel Klimes; stepfather, George Klimes; brothers, Milo Karel, and Longin (Dorothy) Karel; sister, Shirley (Alvin) Stodola; brothers-in-law, Richard Prusa and Joe (Georgeann) Prusa; son-in-law, Mike Race; and granddaughter, Lacey Prusa.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.
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