Darlene Yvonne Kraus, 90 years, formerly of Fort Madison, Iowa passed away February 23, 2026 at sunset surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 9, 1935, a daughter of Hilbert R. Sr. and Mary E. (Marsh) Cowles, she was the middle child of seven.  On January 10, 1959, she married her kindred spirt, Carl J Kraus Jr., with whom she shared the love of music for 60 years until the time of his death in 2019.
Darlene was born singing, and as she graduated from Fort Madison High School, was "discovered" and became the fourth singer in the Mississippi Misses barbershop quartet, affiliated with Sweet Adelines International. The quartet was soon judged international champions and performed throughout the U.S.; were featured at the Chicagoland Music Festival at Soldier Field; appeared on national TV, and recorded for Decca. The Mississippi Misses were enthusiastic boosters of the fledgling Tri-State Rodeo. Darlene touched many lives through her singing as well as through her work at Fort Madison Community Hospital (16 years as ward clerk) and the Fort Madison Park Department (10 years).   She had a deep and abiding faith and believed in daily prayer. Family was everything to her. She grew up midst a very large close knit extended family; especially close to her heart were her nine nephews and five nieces.
Left to mourn her passing are her devoted daughters and their husbands, Carla Eagen (Russ); Mindy Kraus (Bob Pratt); beloved granddaughters: Meredith Eagen, Maddie Eagen (Andy Kincaid), Michaela McDuffee (Seth), and Marina Eagen; one brother and his wife, Hilbert R Cowles Jr. (Dotty); and sister Nancy Hobbs (Jack); brother-in-law Wayne Groene; and sister-in-law Betty Cowles.
Passed before her were her husband Carl, her brother Clarence Cowles and wife Joyce and their infant son; sister Edith Smith and husband Everett; sister Alice Groene; brother Floyd Cowles; and nephew Dirk Cowles.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa. A Memorial Service will follow and begin 10:30 am at the Barr Memorial Chapel with, Pastor Les Featheringill officiating.  Burial will be at Soldiers Circle, Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the vocal music department at the Fort Madison High School.