1936
Darlene
2011
Darlene Arens
April 3, 1936 — July 20, 2011
Larson Funeral Home of Graceville, MN announces the death of Darlene M. Arens, age 75, of Graceville, MN. Darlene passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Grace Home in Graceville, MN. Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, July 27, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Father David Breu is officiating.
Darlene Mary Arens was born on April 3, 1936 in Graceville, Minnesota, to Harold and Anna (Razink) Geyer. She grew up in rural Graceville and was baptized and confirmed at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She attended St. Mary's Academy and was a member of the 1953 graduating class.
On February 9, 1956, she was united in marriage to Peter Joseph Arens in Fort Hood, TX. To this union, two sons were born: Douglas and Dennis.
Darlene worked as a telephone operator in Graceville in her younger years. She was a homemaker and supportive farm wife living with her family in Dumont until 1974 when they moved to Barry. By that time the family had started a trucking business and she played an important part.
In later years she moved to Grace Village, where she very much enjoyed the staff, residents and activities. Darlene's faith was important in her daily life and she was part of a group that made and supplied rosaries to those in need. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and learning about their individual interests.
When diagnosed with MS in the mid 1990s, she made it a passion to learn as much as she could about the disease in order to improve her quality of life. She was able to maintain a positive outlook throughout her struggles with MS and also when diagnosed with cancer during her last few months.
Darlene enjoyed knitting and sewing, especially making dolls and blankets at Grace Village. She was known for her exceptional gardening skills, being able to revive most ailing plants brought to her. This ability brought a great amount of joy to her and others! She enjoyed her many pets, feeding the birds, and attending auctions to add to her collections.
Darlene is survived by her children Douglas of Barry and Dennis (Monica) of Detroit Lakes, and three grandchildren – Mike, Nick, and Katie. Also Peter's siblings and spouses - Jean Ladiana, Jane Arens, Rita Ladiana, Jo Sheehan, Stan Zych, Tony and Bev Arens, Nancy and Jim Murphy and many nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Anna, her husband Peter and his parents Joe and Margaret. Also Peter's siblings and spouses - Bob and MaryAnn Arens, Severna and Eddy McGuire, Ruth Arens, Margie Zych, Tony Ladiana, Ray Sheehan and several nieces and nephews.
Darlene's family extends heartfelt thanks to the friends, relatives, and members of her communities who took part in her care throughout her lifetime.
Larson Funeral Home in Graceville is in charge of arrangements for Darlene Arens. To send on-line condolences to the family, visit our website at www.larsonfuneral.com
Darlene Mary Arens was born on April 3, 1936 in Graceville, Minnesota, to Harold and Anna (Razink) Geyer. She grew up in rural Graceville and was baptized and confirmed at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She attended St. Mary's Academy and was a member of the 1953 graduating class.
On February 9, 1956, she was united in marriage to Peter Joseph Arens in Fort Hood, TX. To this union, two sons were born: Douglas and Dennis.
Darlene worked as a telephone operator in Graceville in her younger years. She was a homemaker and supportive farm wife living with her family in Dumont until 1974 when they moved to Barry. By that time the family had started a trucking business and she played an important part.
In later years she moved to Grace Village, where she very much enjoyed the staff, residents and activities. Darlene's faith was important in her daily life and she was part of a group that made and supplied rosaries to those in need. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and learning about their individual interests.
When diagnosed with MS in the mid 1990s, she made it a passion to learn as much as she could about the disease in order to improve her quality of life. She was able to maintain a positive outlook throughout her struggles with MS and also when diagnosed with cancer during her last few months.
Darlene enjoyed knitting and sewing, especially making dolls and blankets at Grace Village. She was known for her exceptional gardening skills, being able to revive most ailing plants brought to her. This ability brought a great amount of joy to her and others! She enjoyed her many pets, feeding the birds, and attending auctions to add to her collections.
Darlene is survived by her children Douglas of Barry and Dennis (Monica) of Detroit Lakes, and three grandchildren – Mike, Nick, and Katie. Also Peter's siblings and spouses - Jean Ladiana, Jane Arens, Rita Ladiana, Jo Sheehan, Stan Zych, Tony and Bev Arens, Nancy and Jim Murphy and many nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Anna, her husband Peter and his parents Joe and Margaret. Also Peter's siblings and spouses - Bob and MaryAnn Arens, Severna and Eddy McGuire, Ruth Arens, Margie Zych, Tony Ladiana, Ray Sheehan and several nieces and nephews.
Darlene's family extends heartfelt thanks to the friends, relatives, and members of her communities who took part in her care throughout her lifetime.
Larson Funeral Home in Graceville is in charge of arrangements for Darlene Arens. To send on-line condolences to the family, visit our website at www.larsonfuneral.com
Funeral Home
Larson Funeral Home401 NW 2nd Street
Ortonville, MN 56278