Darlene Barnhardt

Darlene Irene Smith was born on January 31, 1927 to Denver and Mathilda (Fredrichsen) Smith on their family farm in Grant County, four miles west of Big Stone City, SD. Darlene attended country school for eight years and graduated from high school in Big Stone City in 1945. She attended War Time Teachers Training at Aberdeen Northern for two years, beginning in 1945. She then taught country school for two years; 1945-1946 and 1946-1947. As an adult, Darlene was baptized and confirmed in 1947 at First English Lutheran Church.





On September 23, 1947, Darlene was united in marriage to Leo Barnhardt at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville. From this union they were blessed with seven children: Roger, Sandy, Rick, Sharyn, Suzann, R. Scott, and Rodney.



Darlene taught Sunday school for many years and held many offices in the Ladies Auxiliary. She was the Circle chairman and secretary for many years and also served as the ELCW secretary, vice-president and president, and served on the service committee. Darlene was a life long member of the Legion Auxiliary, holding offices of President for 21 years, secretary for two years and as a membership chair for many years. Darlene has been a Lakeside Club Member since 1953. Darlene was the senior Lab Technician for the Big Stone Cheese Factory from January of 1966-December of 1987.



Some of Darlene’s favorite pastimes include: watching birds and television, writing poetry and letters, and reading. She also enjoyed visiting with people and was a volunteer at Northridge Residence. Darlene also loved playing cards, family get-togethers and spending time with her family and friends.



Darlene died on September 25, 2008 at Ortonville Area Health Services in Ortonville, having lived to reach the age of 81 years old.



Darlene is survived by hers sons: Roger (Marilyn) Barnhardt of Big Stone City, SD, Rick (Special Friend Dawn Jensen) of Big Stone City, SD, R. Scott (Special Friend Sheila Seidell) of Milbank, SD, and Rodney (Tonya) Barnhardt of Big Stone City, SD; daughters: Sandy (Tom) Rice of Big Stone City, SD, Sharyn Cox of Rice, MN, and Suzann Harmening of Big Stone City, SD; grandchildren: Tara Reese, Tamara Young, Traci Fonger, Jesse Barnhardt, Gregory Rice, Lynn Wade, Anthony Rice, Jennifer Wiik, Michael Barnhardt, Troy, Trevor and Travis Cox, Christopher, Nathaniel, and Zachary Harmening, Darryn, Adam, Penny, and Garrett Barnhardt, and Zachary and Taylor Barnhardt; 18 Great-Grandchildren; Brother Aaron (Sharon) Smith of Big Stone City, SD; sisters: Arvilla Bergseth of Ortonville, MN and Janet (Russ) Athey of Clear Lake, SD; many nieces and nephews and very special friend, Marilyn Athey.



Darlene is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Leo.



Arrangements are with Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville, MN.