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Darlene Carol Buerkle

Oct. 16, 1937 - Jul. 4, 2026

BURLEY – Darlene Carol Buerkle, age 88, of Burley, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, at her home in Burley surrounded by her family.

Darlene was born in El Monte, California, to Alan and Erma Gunderson on October 16, 1937. Erma returned to Idaho with her three children in 1943, after the death of her husband, Alan. Darlene grew up in Paul on the family farm. She attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints growing up, and later attended Ebenezer Congregational Church.

Dar as she was known as, worked on the family farm, milking cows, and helping with every day chores on the farm. Later she worked in a potato processing plant, and drove school bus in Heyburn for many years. She retired from the U.S. Postal service as a rural route carrier.

Dar attended school in Heyburn and graduated from Minico High School in 1956; she was part of the first graduating class at Minico. After high school, she moved to New York with her life-long friend, Jan Foster. While there she worked at a floral shop.

Darlene married the love of her life, Delmore Buerkle, on March 5, 1958. They were married for thirty-two wonderful years. Throughout their marriage they lived in Kulm, North Dakota; Boise, and American Falls, before settling in Heyburn to raise their two children.

Dar was very adventurous and loved to travel. She went to Europe, Washington D.C., and Costa Rica with various friends. She took up river rafting in her 50s. She, alongside many groups of friends, rafted many rivers including the Salmon, Snake River in Hell’s Canyon, and many more. In her later years she spent her winters in Yuma, Arizona, where she met more friends, taking her GEO Tracker running around the desert, golfed, and of course attended the community happy hour.

Darlene is survived by her son Jerry (Lisa) Buerkle; daughter, Teresa Buerkle; son-in-law, George Seiler; five grandchildren, Jill Hitt, Christopher Buerkle, Brady Buerkle, Matthew Muniz, and Garret Muniz; four great-grandchildren, Tianna Timmons, Haven Hitt, Hazley Hitt, and Vance Muniz; three sisters, Verdene Purner, Joanna Kuhn, and RaeDean Douglas; along with many nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A graveside service will be held at a later date, followed by a celebration of life. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Darlene Carol Buerkle

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Kari McCoy:

Oh how I will miss her. She had such a personality and a huge heart…and she loved with all of it. All those that knew her well have special memories that will never be forgotten…loved her dearly! She will be so missed.

From Diane:

I had the pleasure of getting to now Darlene through my dad "Fletch" the Canadian hockey player who wintered down in Yuma. Dad absolutely adored her. Darlene was one of his girls that he drove down to Mexico with every week-- Dad always had stories about their adventures. What happened in Mexico stayed in Mexico. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure knowing her. Sorry for your loss -Hugs

From Carol Pinnell:

Darlene was part of my red hat group. She always added a bit of fun to our adventures! We will miss her!

From Haven Hitt:

I could not have been blessed with a better great grandma! She was one of a kind and will forever and always be a part of any of my successes in life! Love you so much grandma! Until we meet again

From Brenda garza(sanford aka. Sue:

So sorry to hear about your mom's passing...known her since I was a baby and always so special to talk to.heavens gained another angle.

From Colleen James:

Darlene has been a delightful friend & neighbor for many years & it’s been a pleasure being around her. May God bless you all with peace.

From Lori Parish :

Teresa sooo sorry to see this. Praying for your comfort during this grieving time. It is never easy! Sending my Love too.

From Carol Kitowski :

Darlene was a wonderful friend , always ready for adventure, I enjoyed every trip we took . And it was always happy hour at Darlene’s !

From Sandie warren:

Darlene was so great to work with. She helped me so much when I started working with her at the post office. We had a lot of laughs together. She loved and bragged about her kids and grandkids.

From Carma Oldham:

Darlene was my mom’s great friend and after she passed always stayed in contact with me. I’m sure going to miss her but hope she’s having a great reunion in heaven.

From Alice Schenk:

Thinking of you. Sorry for your loss, it is hard to bid farewell to those we love. Darlene drove school bus in Heyburn when my dad was the bus garage mechanic, and you took care of the school buses. Hugs, Wayne and Alice Schenk

From Margarita Braegger:

What a beautiful lady. She lived life to the max! She truly was an example of happy living. Fun and smiles were all about her personality. Truly a delightful soul. I loved her!

From Kelly Herrgesell:

My heart goes out to you and the family. I have so many fond memories of Darlene and will always remember her spunk and humor!

From Kelly Baguley Bodily:

I loved that woman so much. So sorry for your loss.

From Annie Holmes:

So sorry for your loss. Darlene was so much fun and great friend to many! We will miss her immensely.
Annie Holmes, Queen of Red Hats.

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