In Memory

Darlene Nelson

Darlene Nelson

Darlene Ann Nelson  

January 1, 1949 ~ March 26, 2022 (age 73)

Obituary

Darlene Ann Nelson  died March 26, 2022 at Birchwood Cottages in North Mankato, MN.  Memorial services will be held 11am Friday April 1, 2022 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Rev. Jay Dahlvang officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.  Interment will be at Woodland hills Memorial Park.  woodlandhillsfh.com. 

Darlene was born January 1, 1949 to John and Edna Nelson  in Minneapolis, MN. 1st baby girl born in Minneapolis in 1949.    She lived in Zumbrota, MN until the age of 6 when the family moved to Mankato, MN.  Darlene graduated from Mankato High School in 1967 and then graduated from Mankato State University with Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1971.  She taught at Madison Elementary School, Blaine MN, Anoka Hennepin School District from 1971 to 2007 when she retired after a 36 year teaching career.  Darlene was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Confirmation mentor for 3 years.  She was passionate about teaching students to read, and also her dogs. She rescued 7 dogs and cared for 12 dogs during her lifetime. She was able to donate books and teaching materials to a local elementary school.  She enjoyed reading, playing piano, musical theater, camping in the north woods, PBS and spending time with her family and being a wonderful Aunt and Great Aunt.

Preceded in death by parents, John and Edna Nelson, and brother, Lee Nelson. 

Survivors include sister-in-law, Cheryl Nelson of Farmington,  MN, sister Jeanne (Randy) Henegar of Zebulon, NC, and sister Donna (Lance) Quick of North Mankato.  Nieces and nephews: Matthew Nelson, Portland, OR, Jessica Nelson, Farmington, MN, Ben Henegar of Wendell, NC, Travis (Julia) Henegar of Apex. NC, Adam Quick (Marit Peterson) of Minneapolis, Sarah (Justin) Quetico of Duluth, MN, Emily Quick of Minneapolis, MN.  Also grand nephews and niece Gustav and Torvald Quick, Iris and Walden Quetico, cousins and friends.