Darlene Ann Nation age 82 of Waterloo passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Northcrest Specialty Care in Waterloo. She was born May 21, 1942 the daughter of Leonard and Evelyn (Kerns) Salisbury. Darlene attended and graduated from Dunkerton Community Schools. She had a love for photography and dedicated her working career to that. Darlene first worked Olin Mills Photography then at Sears in the photography department and finally at Walden Photo where she worked until she retired. She married Dennis Nation at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank, they later divorced. She met Rick Milks in 1992 and they have been together ever since. Besides her love for photography Darlene loved her dogs and watching and feeding the birds. She enjoyed going on car rides just to see what was going on. But most of all she loved having a good time with friends and family, especially her children and grandchildren.
Survived by: her life partner, Rick Milks, two daughters; Denise Nation and Julie Schares, one son, Jim (Ann) Nation, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild on the way, two sisters-in-law; Jean Ann Salisbury and Betty Salisbury along with many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by: her parents, one son, Brad Nation, two brothers; Don Salisbury and Ron Salisbury.
Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, April 22nd with a 3:30 Rosary at Woods Funeral Home
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 23rd at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank
Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank.
Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.
Lunch will be served at the Parish Center following services.
Condolences for Darlene Nation
I worked with Darlene in Sears Portrait Studio and later would go to Waldens to have film developed or make camera purchases. I send my condolences to her family for their loss, I remember her as a sweet and happy lady who loved her family and her dogs, and was always busy helping others. Peace to her soul.