Delene Rae Atterberg
1959 - 2020

Delene Rae Atterberg, 60, of Montrose, IA died Sunday, May 31, 2020 at her home.
She was born on October 31, 1959 in Keokuk, IA, the daughter of Walter Dale “Diz”
and Lorena Mae Alberts Wildrick. She graduated from Central Lee High School with the
Class of 1978.
On September 22, 1984, Delene was united in marriage to the love of her life, Kevin
Atterberg in Keokuk.
After graduating from high school, Delene worked at the Miss Cafe in Montrose. She
then worked at the Holiday Inn in Keokuk for twenty-five years as the kitchen manager.
She was well known for the delicious soups she created. Following her employment at the
Holiday Inn she worked for Bob Sanders and his late wife Ruth at the Americana Motel in
Ft. Madison., IA. Later she worked for Diane Gerveler at the Forever Christmas Store in
Keokuk. She had also been a companion for Gracia Wright until her death in 2012 and
then she babysat three special children for the Will’s family.
Delene discovered a love for painting after taking lessons at the Lost Canvas. She often
painted canvas pictures for families who had lost a loved one. She also painted pictures
for the K-Play Fund raisers. Delene enjoyed taking care of her yard and her pool. She
loved to mow grass and prune her garden. Delene did her best thinking when she was on
her lawn mower. She had a sharp eye when it came to mushroom hunting and was known
to be able to see them from her car. She loved her jewelry and shopping on QVC. She was
an avid collector of stained glass. Some of Delene’s favorite pastimes were sitting in her
rocking chair, looking out her big picture window and watching the birds. She also
enjoyed having a good cup of coffee, a Cheryl’s cookie and a piece of cake with
buttercream frosting. Delene was devoted to her family and had a deep love for her
husband and daughters. She was very proud of them. Her two best friends were her
brother and sister. A special joy to her was her niece Nettie Adelle Wildrick who the
family believes helped carry her and conquer her battle with stage 4 throat cancer in 1995.
Delene is survived by her husband Kevin Wayne Atterberg of Montrose, who has been
employed for forty-three years with Canal Barge Company, two daughters, Lydia Rose
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Atterberg (Corey Meyers) of Keokuk, an insurance agent with American Family Insurance
in Ft. Madison, and Kaylene Dale Brunenn (Lucas) of Bowen, IL, an LPN with Quincy
Medical Group and her two grand-dogs, Annabelle and Fancy. She is also survived by one
sister, Trena Wildrick of Ft. Madison, four brothers, John Wildrick of Montrose, Michael
Wildrick (Diane) of Carthage, IL, Ricky Wildrick (Lori) of Elvaston, IL and Richard
Wildrick (Valerie) of Hamilton, IL, one brother-in-law, Jeff Atterberg (Linda) of Keokuk,
numerous nieces and nephews including, Trisha Kinnary, Jason Wildrick Amanda
Wildrick, Keith Leenerts, Christopher Wildrick, Nettie Adelle Wildrick, Michael, Melissa
and Megan Atterberg and a very close, special friend, Lynn Carter. She loved her cat,
Gracie and her little dog, Winnie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and Erin Dowell (John’s significant other).
A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Vigen Memorial Home in
Keokuk with her special friend, Pastor Michael Bennett officiating. Social distancing
requirements will be in place and attendees will be limited according to those
requirements. Masks are encouraged. Burial will be in the Sandusky cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10 – 11 am.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to PAW Animal Shelter
Following the graveside service friends are invited to the Montrose Riverfront, Inc. for
food and fellowship.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com .
Happy Happy Happy, we’re making memories, you is smart, you is kind, you is
important, “Love you guys”.