Darlene M. Kober, 74, of Huntley, died peacefully on Monday, July 3, 2023.
Darlene was born in Chicago on December 21, 1948, to parents Carl and Elaine (nee Michaelson) Johnson. She married Raymond Kober on August 2, 1969. Darlene and her husband Raymond shared nearly 54 loving years together. They met through her loving brother-in-law Duane. Together they endured the years of martial tribulations always finding solace in one another. While sometimes accused of being the "Bickerson's" they deeply loved and always found humor in the most challenging of situations. Ray and Dar enjoyed traveling together. They shared many happy memories from trips to Vegas, bed and Breakfasts in Galena, and an adventurous road trip to Utah. Their song was Unchained Melody by the Rightous Brothers. And just like the lyrics say, Ray will feel the "Lonely rivers flow...hunger for your touch...[until] God speed your love to me."
In her younger years, she was fearless. She liked to drive fast, take chances and have fun. She could be impulsive, but it was always done with a mischievous smile and with the intention of bringing others joy. She rode roller coasters, went down water slides, and played games with a gleeful spirit.
Darlene was an LPN who started her career in mother and baby and later worked in geriatric care, caring for retired nuns. She loved her work, had an intuitive nature, and always put the needs of others ahead of her own.
She always looked forward to family gatherings and holidays. She would reminisce and tell funny stories from the past. Sharing memories with her cousins Linda, Fred, Bruce, and Nancy, was a favorite pastime. She treasured her bond with her sister Diane. They shared a love of Elvis, deer, and tropical cocktails.
Her favorite place was Gilbert Lake. She grew up spending her summers there with her sister, cousins, and best friends, the Kilkenny's. She was a strong swimmer and amazing at catching minnows in her swimsuit. She would sit on the swing, overlooking the water, and find peace. It was her happy place.
She helped to raise her first grandson, her Baby Boy, CJ, and cared for her grandchildren, always providing love, and support and being a person to lean on and trust. She enthusiastically served as Grandma Taxi, whether someone missed the school bus or needed a ride to an activity. She enjoyed spoiling, cuddling, and sharing a McDonald's Carmel Frapacinno with her Granddaughters.
She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Darlene is survived by her beloved husband, Raymond Kober, her daughters, Kristina (Brian) Harvat, and Kimberly (Michael) Meyer, her grandchildren. Brian (Alyssa), Craig, Lillian, and Zoe, her great-grandchild, Emersyn, her sister, Diane McDonough, her niece Amy McDonough, and her nephews, Barry (Lorrie) McDonough, and Patrick (fiancé Gladys) McDonough.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 1p.m. to time of service 4 p.m. all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Darlene's name can be made to the American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772
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Sending prayers to your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Darlene was always a lot of fun. I remember her in high school talking about geriatric patients she was working with and everyone was laughing like crazy. Then she became one herself and no one was laughing. Ray, I have been been thinking of you a lot this year. Kris and Kim, too.
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Dar. She was a wonderful woman. I’m here for you if you need me.
Kristina and Family: Our hearts are with you during this most difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss of Darlene thoughts and prayers for you and your family
We are deeply saddened by the news of your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
What a beautifully written memorial! So sorry for your loss and what she and all of you suffered these past few months. Please extend my love and sympathy to all.
Well to say that I'm saddened would be an understament . Just being the brother in law to her is not saying a lot. I knew Dar before my brother, that is how they met, by me on a double date with my and her friend Ella,whom I was dating at the time. Later on Ray and Dar started to date and as they say the rest is history. I will miss her a great deal ,her jokes ,her laughing and kidding me about this or that,hell I miss her even now. I can hear her ribbing me about what I'm writing about,but that was just Dar being Dar. I knew her for so long and I'm going to miss her even longer,she was such a good friend to me. The whole family knows how much I loved her and how much I cared about her,she will be so missed. With a very heavy heart I know she is in a much better place we're she has no more pain or sorrow,only Pease. All my love forever Uncle Duane.
My love and sympathy goes out to all of you. Wish I could be there.