Darlene Klecka Whelton
In Loving Memory
Darlene Klecka Whelton
August 25, 1958 – October 29,2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Darlene, a loving, caring, and kind soul who dedicated her life to her church and family. Darlene departed from this world on October 29th with her family by her side. She is leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be cherished forever.
She was born on August 25, 1958 in Texas City to Johnnie R. Klecka Sr. and Gloria Battistoni Klecka. Darlene was the heart and soul of her expansive family. She was surrounded by the warmth of an Italian and Czech heritage that she held close to her heart. She loved nothing more than gathering with her relatives, sharing stories, and celebrating life’s moments. Her large family was a source of immense joy for her, and she treasured every opportunity to be in their company, especially with her first grandson, Brooks. She was a member of the Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church, the Women’s Club, and the Catholic Daughters of the America Court #1855, where she held the title of Regent. She worked for many years as a home health therapist and enjoyed the numerous people she helped.
Darlene is preceded in death by her father Johnnie Klecka Sr.; father in laws Robert Whelton and Gerald Naquin; sister-in-law, Cindy Ryman; nephews Chad Ryman and Kyle Milliman.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert Whelton, son Bryce and girlfriend Kara, daughter Hannah, son Grant, grandson Brooks; mother, Gloria Battistoni Klecka; brother Johnnie Klecka, Jr. and wife Mary Carmen; mother-in-law Mary Naquin; sister-in-law Traci King and husband John; brother-in-law Jeff Ryman; mother-in-law Judy Whelton, brother-in-law Micheal Agorastos and wife Kay, sister-in-law Stephanie Dhonau and husband Craig, sister-in-law Susan Milliman and Amy Skehan. Darlene has many nieces and nephews including Lauren and husband Barret, Trey, Jeff Jr., Tai, Audrey, Ashton, Jill, Meg, Ned, Skyla, Chance, London, Bailey, and Dylan.
There will be a visitation from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church, 300 FM 517 Rd East, Dickinson, TX 77539. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, TX.
Pallbearers will be Bryce and Grant Whelton, Johnnie Klecka III (Trey), Patrick Klecka, Barret Manning, Ty Bruysschaard. Honorary pallbearer is Brooks Whelton.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church or School.
Rob,
I am greatly saddend to hear of the passing of your wife. I know this will be a hard time for you; a great loss is a very burdonsome thing.
Please know you have my support and best thoughts and wishes. I am sure you have many you can confide in, but if you need one more, you know where to find me.
Please be well. All the best.
Tony Streano
Darlene was the nicest person that I have ever known. If I ever had a sister, I would have hoped that she would have been as wonderful a person as Darlene. I know Darlene is now pain free and in a better place, probably baking lemon bars for all the angels but for the rest of us, we are all in a worse place without her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Darlene’s big beautiful family. She always had a welcoming smile and a sweet disposition. She was a bright star that lit up whatever room she was in. Her very presence was a blessing that will be missed. May she be counted among the elite in heaven. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to all those that she loved and cared for in her life. 🙏❤️🙏
Darlene was a kind beautiful person inside and out. Her sweetness and smile was heartwarming. Her family and God came first in her life. She will be missed more than words can say. Rob, my heart hurts for you and I am here if you ever need anything. Please call not matter day or time.
Hugs and blessings
Aunt Sammie
Rob, Darlene was the sweetest, most kind soul I’ve ever known. You and the kids were the light of her life. I cherish every memory I have of her whether we were with the kids at karate or all of us were out too dinner together. I’ll always remember her laughter and kindness and treasure those times. May the peace and comfort of the Lord be upon you and the kids. She was truly an angel her on earth to those who had the privilege of calling her their friend.
Thoughts and payers to all the family on behalf of Bishop Lifting 🙏
May God comfort her family. God bless them.
Darlene was such a sweet person. Never met a stranger and always had so much love in her heart for everyone. I will miss my friend so much. May you RIP Darlene. My condolences and prayers go out to her family for peace and strength. May God Bless!
XOXO,
Debbie Dedde Blackman
My deepest condolences and sympathies to her family and all those that she loved! God Bless
Darlene was indeed one of the sweetest most caring people I’ve known..she always had a kind word and a smile to share.. she and my husband Joe always talked about baseball as she was caring for him.. Darlene I’m sure you have been welcomed into the presence of God..
Rob, please accept our condolences to you and your family. She was a very special lady and I know she will be missed. You and your family are in our prayers.
Praying for all 🙏🙏🙏