Darlene Chmelicek, 95, of Cedar Rapids, died December 3, 2021, at Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, followed by a rosary at 10:45 a.m. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow in St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Darlene was born March 4, 1926, in Chelsea, the daughter of Arthur and Vlasta (Kupka) Claes.  She attended Chelsea Schools and graduated from Cedar Rapids Wilson High School. Darlene was united in marriage to Joseph Chmelicek on November 17, 1945. She was an active member of St. Ludmila Catholic Church, St. Anne's Circle, and the Red Hat Society. She worked at JC Penny and retired from Link Belt Speeder – FMC. Darlene traveled with her husband Joe, who was a member of the Leonard Reyman Band. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Darlene is survived by her children Jim (Sue) Chmelicek of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mike (Kathy) Chmelicek of Hiawatha, Joe (Peggy) Chmelicek of Independence, Missouri, and Christine Stolba (Scott Boeckelmann) of Cedar Rapids; daughter-in-law Donna Boggiano - Chmelicek of Florence, Oregon; eight grandchildren Christopher, Jesse, Craig, Jaime, Amanda, Jennifer, Melissa, and Tim; eighteen great-grandchildren; and her brother Bob (Loretta) Claes of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe, her son Tom, and a sister-in-law Helen Claes.

Memorials may be directed to St. Ludmila Catholic Church or Hospice of Mercy in her name.