Darren Uhlenhopp, 56

Darren Uhlenhopp, 56, of Waverly, Iowa died on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Waverly Health Center after battling stage 4 esophageal cancer.

Darren Eli Uhlenhopp was born on December 19, 1968, the son of Darwin and April Uhlenhopp in Waverly. He graduated from Clarksville High School in 1987. Darren attended Waldorf College and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA in 1993 with his Bachelor's degree in teaching social sciences. In 2007, he received his Masters in Technology Integration from Graceland University in Lamoni, IA.

             On June 27, 2008, he was united in marriage to Erika Dene Northey on the beach in Sanibel, Florida. Darren taught industrial tech and history at Waverly-Shell Rock High School for 29 years and coached wrestling for W-SR for over 15 years. His classroom door was always open for any students who needed an open ear or advice. He loved it when he would hear from students after they left W-SR and would frequently be stopped by former students at the grocery store or gas station.

 Darren was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He took great pride in the home he built that his family currently resides in. He could be found frequently mowing the acreage’s lawn or doing other projects outside. He loved playing with the family dogs, KC and Shelby. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly.

             Darren is survived by his wife, Erika of Waverly; children, Jaelyn Lentz (Rob Bingham) of Washington, DC, Darcy Lentz of Ames, Ty Uhlenhopp, Brylee Uhlenhopp and Eli Uhlenhopp all at home; his parents, brothers and sister, Dennis (Allyson) Uhlenhopp of Des Moines Della Uhlenhopp (Steve Herbon) of Des Moines and Elvin (Ana) Uhlenhopp of Lake Mary, Florida and a niece, Ava. His father and mother-in-law, Nathan and Laurel Northey of Cedar Falls, brother-in-law, Chad (Olivia) Northey and their children Clayton and Claire of Loveland, OH.

             A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6th from 3:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly concluding with a Prayer service at 7:30 pm. A funeral service for family and friends will be held with a burial following in Harlington Cemetery in Waverly. Memorials may be directed to the Uhlenhopp family for later designation in Darren’s name. Online condolence can be left at www.kaisercorson.com or at https://bit.ly/MemoriesofHopp.

             Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home of Waverly is assisting the Uhlenhopp family with arrangements. 319-352-1187