Darlene Burghart Braak

Darlene Burghart Braak passed away on December 21, 2020. She died from respiratory failure arising out of difficult fight with metastasized cancer. Family members were with her as she made her transition to the next life.

Dar is survived by her 3 sons and her 6 grandchildren. Her sons are Gary Burghart (Karen) of Colorado Springs, Brad Burghart & Kris Burghart (Heather). Brad & Kris both live in Hot Springs Village, AR. Gary’s children are Peter Burghart (Cristina), Sarah Hunter Weiss (Josh), John “Alex” Biggs and Mia Biggs. Brad’s children are Brittany Burghart and Brian Burghart (Jenna). Dar’s only brother, Jim Coufal, predeceased her.

Darlene was born in Omaha, NE to Robert & Irene Coufal on January 27, 1931. She attended primary and secondary school in Omaha. She attended Northwestern University where she met and married Robert A. Burghart, Jr. in 1951. Dar and Bob moved to Colorado Springs. She received a BA degree from the University of Colorado.

For many years, Dar worked in the Children’s Room of the Pikes Peak Library. She taught many kids to love and treasure books and reading as she did. She was active in the Junior League, Delta Gamma Sorority, the Republican Party and the Pikes Peak and Colorado Cowbelles. Dar used her talents as a notable hostess who loved entertaining to further these causes and conduct a particularly active social life. She belonged to the 1st Presbyterian Church and to the Garden of the Gods Club.

Dar was accomplished bridge player. She skied, played tennis and golf. She adored football. She was an original Broncos season ticket holder.

Dar was a loving and vigorous mother and grandmother. She supported her sons and her grandchildren completely and fervently. Attending innumerable tennis matches, football and basketball games, swim meets, gymnastics and cheering events and hockey games, Dar was noted for her unrestrained rooting style. She was energetic and forceful, bringing these personality traits to everything she did.

Several years after Bob’s death, Dar married William “Bill” Braak. Bill was a Christian gentlemen of the highest order. He and Dar had many adventures together. They played golf, bridge, hosted wonderful parties, and traveled. Dar and Bill were a continuing delight to their many friends. Bill’s death in 2016 was an awful loss.

Dar will be missed for her outsized personality, inquisitive nature, and the unconditional love of her family that was the essence of her character.

Donations in memory of Dar may be made to the Pikes Peak Library District, the Junior League of Colorado Springs, or the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Colorado. Her family is very grateful to MacKenzie Place and Suncrest Hospice. Because of COVID restrictions, a memorial service will be held at later time.