Darlene J. Zurek

Darlene J. Zurek (92), of Algonquin.

Darlene J. Zurek was born on June 29, 1931 in Chicago, IL to John and Minnie Molls. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2024 while under the very loving care of Shepherd Premier Senior Living. Darlene grew up in Chicago and graduated from Falconer Grammar School and Foreman High School where she met the love of her life, Jack F. Zurek. Jack and Darlene married on May 10, 1952 in Chicago and embarked on their military adventures abroad while Jack was enlisted in the Air Force for 21 years. 

Darlene was a switchboard operator for Nicor Gas and a Bake Shop Manager at Heinemann’s Bakery in Crystal Lake, IL. Most importantly, she was a homemaker, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the sweetest soul who always made sure her family and friends were well fed and taken care of. You would never go home empty handed, often with a slice or two of her famous bundt cake. She loved visiting the Northwoods of Wisconsin with her family and feeding the chippies with her grandkids. Darlene enjoyed gardening, going on walks, cooking, baking and she always looked forward to playing Bunco with her lady friends. She was the best Nani.

Darlene will be deeply missed by her children, Lynn (Don) Monsen and Larry (Maureen) Zurek; grandchildren, Tyler (Amy) Monsen, Lauren Monsen, Bridget Monsen (Austin Nirva), Kelsey and Kortney Zurek; and great-grandchildren Evan and Olivia Monsen.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Betty and husband Jack.

Friends are welcome to visit with Darlene's family on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake.

Burial will be on Saturday, April 13, at 11am at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.  Please meet at the funeral home parking lot at 10:30am to get in line for a procession to the cemetery.

Memorials in Darlene’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation www.alzfdn.org