Darlene K. Youngstrom

DARLENE K. YOUNGSTROM

Darlene Klemme Youngstrom, 96, of the Kansas City Northland, passed peacefully on May 4, 2024, at Addington Place of Shoal Creek. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final days.

Darlene was born (and raised) on a farm near Akron, Iowa on September 5, 1927.  She was the daughter of Alex Christian Klemme and Mary Louise (Plueger) Klemme.  

As a young girl, Darlene was baptized in the Lutheran faith and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Akron, Iowa. She had many fond memories of her days growing up on the farm including milking cows and cooking big meals with her mother for her family.  She attended a one-room country schoolhouse as a child and graduated in 1945 from LeMars High School in LeMars, Iowa.    

Darlene met the future love of her life, Richard Jack Youngstrom, following his discharge from the US Army in 1946.  They were married on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa and enjoyed a wonderful life together until his passing in 2010.  After the births of their sons Gregory in 1952, and Steven in 1955, the young family moved to the Kansas City Northland in 1957 where they remained for the rest of their lives. They welcomed a third son, David in 1966.  

Darlene was employed with Sears at Antioch Shopping Center starting in 1973 and after a few years was promoted to become one of the store’s primary Sales Managers.  She held that position until retiring in 1990.  

The family joined St. Luke Presbyterian Church, now GlenHaven Church,  many decades ago and she remained a faithful member until her health no longer permitted. Darlene was also a supporter of Dick in his many Ararat Shrine and Director’s Staff activities.  Her love and care for Dick only grew stronger as the years passed.  She would often tease, “I have three boys and a baby!”

Along with her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dick; and siblings, Charlie Plueger, Elsie Borchers, and Leslie Klemme. Survivors include her sons, Gregory Youngstrom (Sheri), Steven Youngstrom (Debbi), and David Youngstrom (Paige); grandchildren, Alex Youngstrom (Lindsay), Mallory Sawula (Chris), Evan Youngstrom (Daniela), Eric Youngstrom, and Colin Callahan (Samantha); great grandchildren, Cora, Theo, Harly, Alex, Ella Rose, and Oddie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a service celebrating Darlene’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, May 11, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 North State Route 291, Liberty, MO.  Burial will follow in Terrace Park Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions are suggested to GlenHaven Church, 4301 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64119, or to the Ararat Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, 5100 Ararat Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129.  

Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.