Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Celebration of Life
September 23, 2026
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Memorial Donations
- May be directed to the family
Darlyce J. (Ford Nelson) Fauser, 78, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, September 11, 2026.
She was born on December 2, 1947, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of Lester and Elna (Shipp) Nelson. Darlyce grew up in the area and graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School. She married Max Fauser, and they later divorced.
Darlyce was a woman of many talents and a compassionate heart, which was reflected throughout her career. She blended her creativity and love for beauty while working at DJ Floral Boutique in Jesup, and she later extended her deep empathy and desire to help others as a substance abuse counselor at St. Luke’s.
Her deep faith served as her guiding light and anchored her through every chapter of life. She was a member of New Day Church in Evansdale, where she found a wonderful community of fellowship. Darlyce was also rarely seen without a camera in her hand, constantly documenting life’s beautiful moments and ensuring that every family gathering, smile, and milestone was captured and preserved forever. Additionally, she found immense peace and joy in floral design, cooking, and gardening.
While she wore many titles, her favorite was undoubtedly her role as “NaNa.” Darlyce absolutely adored her grandchildren and was filled with immense pride to recently become a great-grandmother. She never missed an opportunity to share stories, celebrate accomplishments, or brag about her grandkids to anyone who would listen.
Darlyce is survived by her daughter, Tonya Cain of Waterloo; her son, Darin Fauser of Waterloo; her granddaughters, Brianna (Dylan) Giberson and Allyson Cain; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Oliver and Isla. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Mattos; two nieces, Leslie (Murat) Uzel and Meredith (David) Fondanarosa; her nephew, Ethan Nelson; and her dear friend, Katie Kies of Waterloo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elna (Shipp) and Lester Nelson; her birth father, Edward Ford; and her brother, Gary Nelson.
Darlyce’s unwavering love, gentle spirit, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed but forever celebrated by all who knew her.
Celebration of Life: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Locke at Tower Park, Waterloo.
Graveside Services: 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at the Willow Lawn Cemetery-Plainfield, Clarksville.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Locke at Tower Park is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com
Darlyce taught me so much just in how she lived her life. She showed me, early in my program, to laugh at myself, not take things so to heart. She had a beautiful smile that just lit up the room. Rest in peace Darlyce. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Darlyce was a dear friend. I have many great memories with her. Iam so glad I went back to Waterloo to see her before she passed RIP my Special Friend love Dixie❤️
Darlyce was a remarkable woman. I worked with her for many years in St Luke’s Chemical Dependency. Department. She was a kind soul who showed compassion and care for her patients. She had a great sense of humor. She was a proud grandma and would often share photos of her grandkids and family. Condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace to one classy lady that I won’t ever forget.
Who doesn’t have a marvelous memory about Darlyce. I have known her since 2nd grade and graduated with her in 1966. Such a beauty in appearance and inside her soul. She could make me smile and laugh uncontrollably. She will be greatly missed here on earth. RIP
Virginia K Jinny Stevens Schwartz
09-17-2026
So many memories of high school with Darlyce. Always kind – but her sense of humor topped everything good about her. I am sad today along with many others.
Deepest sympathy to Darlyce’s family. So very sorry to hear of her being ill and her passing. I didn’t see Darlys often, but it was always fun when I did. There was always a lot of laughs. Darlyce loved her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
I would run into Dalyce with gaps of years between them & always picked up from the last conversation we had been in. Pretty remarkable, actually. I never knew her’ to Judge any situation or person. She was a Bonified winner of Recovery… She lived it! This is a Legacy that will continue to live on. “Job Well Done” !!!
Darlyce, my beautiful friend you will be so missed!!
Such a beautiful person inside n out!!
I have such great memories of us sitting at your kitchen table laughing n sharing memories of our lives!!
If you knew Darlyce you truly were blessed!!
I will miss you my friend!!!
The W-SR Class of ‘66 is going to miss her beautiful smile and sense of humor. She came to a few of our Chicks of ‘66 coffee get-togethers and had the funniest stories, mostly about herself. My sincere sympathy goes out to her family and friends.
Darlyce was my neighbor in Jesup for many years. She was a great friend & missed her when she left Jesup. Very talented lady.
Glenda Trower
Always a warm smile to brighten the halls and all of us in them at WSR.
That was Darlyce. A beautiful soul inside and out.
Sending my Deepest Sympathy to all of her family.
Darlyce is my first cousin and we spoke regularly over the years. She was like a daughter to my mother. My mom truly enjoyed her friendship with Darlyce. Darlyce was a comfort and help to me and our family when my mom died when I was 15. Darlyce had a compassion and desire to serve. Just this year we had several really fun conversations about our mothers sides of our family and my relatives I had never heard about. She shared a photo of a huge gathering of the Shipp family with our grandfather Ethan as about an eight year old boy! She cared about her heritage and was certainly a great cousin and friend. She trusted in Jesus Christ for her life after death because we spoke about this often. Enjoy your new home Darlyce and I will see you on the other side as you cross over Jordan.
Our memories of each other will never fade. I love her deeply and always will. I will miss you my friend. Love you
She would sign her name “Auntie Dar” on cards and letters given to me. So many fun memories of her while I was growing up. Auntie Dar, your laugher, your love and your beautiful spirit brought so much joy to everyone lucky enough to know you. You may no longer be with us, but the memories, the smiles, and the laughter you gave us will live on forever. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Love,
Dawn (Solomon) DeVito & Family
I am so sad missing our hour long phone calls
Darlyce was my cousin, but we didn’t get to
Know each other until we were adults even though
We were classmates in high school & graduated in
1966 together She & her sister Janet met only a
Few years ago & that was a wonderful blessing
To finally find she had a sister in Ca It was fun
Getting to know both of them!
My sympathies to Darin and Tonya. We were neighbors in Jesup and we know how much your Mom loved you.
It was great fun seeing Darlyce at our Chicks of ‘66 coffees the few times I could be there. I was hoping that she would be in attendance at the most recent coffee that was held and that perhaps we could make a plan for meeting up to enjoy an Iowa tenderloin at the place of her choice. She was such a fun-filled gal who made us all laugh at her great stories. She is missed by all of us at WSR Class of ‘66. I am sorry that she is no longer with your family. Thinking of all of you and your loss of a very special person.