Darlene Wilhelmenia (Holtz) Graner was born in Avoca, Iowa, to Ernest and Bertha (Jacobsen) Holtz on November 23, 1921. She was one of a set of triplets and one of eleven children. Darlene was baptized as an infant and confirmed into the Lutheran faith in 1938.

Darlene lived with her family on a farm near Walnut, Iowa. She graduated from Walnut High School in 1940. In 1945 she was united in marriage to Albert Ross Graner of Jerseyville, Illinois. Four children were born to this union, William (Bill), Phyllis (Jean), Linda, and Gary.

Darlene was a very hard worker all her life. After graduating high school she lived with and worked for a large family, working long hours for very small wages. She was a housewife and mother after her marriage but also worked at a couple of businesses in Manning. Darlene was employed at L.R. Nelson Manufacturing plant until it closed. She then became the custodian at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, of which she was a member.

After her retirement and the death of her husband, Darlene continued to live in her home. She loved cooking and baking and was always giving the fruits of her labor to families around town. She was self-taught in sewing and quilting and made several quilts for family members. She also liked to spend her time embroidering dish towels and making gifts of them to family members and friends. She loved family gatherings and was so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Darlene survived breast-cancer twice. In 2013, Darlene entered the Manning Plaza at 91 years of age. Her cancer returned and she passed away there on June 28, 2014.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, parents, seven brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her children, Bill Graner and his wife Arla of Encampment, Wyoming, Jean and her husband Barry Kusel of Manning, Linda and her husband Dave Dammann of LaVista, Nebraska, and Gary and his wife Jess Graner of Omaha, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, Brad (Heather) Kusel, Teri (Scott) Kerkhoff, Michael (Jennifer) Dammann, Melissa (Greg) Betts, Matthew (Sherri) Graner, Steven Graner, Michelle Graner and her fiancé Joe Michaelsen and Allison Graner; eight great-grandchildren, Erin & Brody Kerkhoff , Ross, Brock & Kora Kusel, Parker & Madeline Betts, Jayden Rowe, and nieces, nephews, and friends.