Darlene Frances Goodchild, 87, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025. She was born on July 4, 1938 on a farm near Mallard, Iowa to Floyd and Nona (Crouch) Ferguson. Darlene was the sister Verlae had longed for and was welcomed home by brothers Dale and Lyle.
Darlene spent most of her childhood on a farm near Havelock, graduating from Havelock High School in 1956. She met the love of her life, Jim Goodchild, at the Ridotto Dance Hall. They married on August 12, 1956 and soon began a family, raising their three children Michael, Michelle and Angela. As a young couple they lived in Forest City, Coon Rapids and Plover, before settling in Mallard where Darlene always said her favorite place was their little acreage just north of town.
In their early years Jim and Darlene embarked on the adventure of opening the original “Duck Inn” in Mallard, which they owned for a short time. Darlene worked part-time as a dishwasher at the Mallard school and spent 17 years working in the purchasing department at the Palo Alto County Hospital before retiring. Her favorite role was being a wife and mother, lovingly taking care of her husband and children. Sharing Jim’s passion for home remodeling, Darlene was always by his side supporting and helping in any way she could.
Darlene and Jim shared a love for golf, with their favorite course being Spring Hills in Mallard. Darlene enjoyed ladies night, couple’s night and playing tournaments with Jim as her partner. Many holes were won because of her putting skills. Their love for the game was made even sweeter when golfing with close friends and family. Darlene and Jim loved their little community and had many lifelong friendships, especially with the Hartsocks, Mankles and Reinharts.
In retirement Darlene and Jim spent 20 winters in Pharr, Texas where they bought a home in a retirement community. They enjoyed the warm weather, the many activities and especially the visits from their children.
As a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Mallard for many years, Darlene loved singing in the choir and participating in fellowship. She was also deeply dedicated to her family and cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Darlene especially enjoyed playing cards during family gatherings. She had a very kind-hearted competitiveness, and her warmth and joy were always felt.
Darlene will be greatly missed by her children: Mike (Janel) Goodchild, Michelle (Jerry) Poplin and Angie (Kelly) Ward; her 9 grandchildren: Shelby (Dominic) Childs, Shannon (Martin) Sullivan, Brooke (Jay) Frymire, Kassie (George) Honey, Bryce Poplin, Ashley (Matt) Pelzer, Abby (Calvin) Day, Andrew (Hannah) Ward, Aryn (Wyatt) Setterburg; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Verlae Nicol, and many nieces and nephews.
Darlene’s family has great peace knowing she has been reunited with Jim who she deeply missed for eight years. Her legacy of love, kindness and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 4-7pm at Spring Hills Country Club in Mallard. Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with her services.
