Darlene Marlys Johnson

Darlene Marlys Iverson was born on March 4, 1938, in Belgrade, Minnesota. She was the youngest daughter of Arthur George Iverson and Lorraine Margaret Boever. Darlene was welcomed home by her five-year-old sister, Delores Eleanora.

Darlene attended school in Belgrade, Minnesota graduating in 1956. She participated in many activities in high school including annual staff and the dramatics club participating in the 1954 three-act Play with one of her first cousins Jerome Pelkey called “And Here Comes Spring.” She was also involved in the Girls Athletic Association and The Future Homemakers of America. Darlene loved to sing and was also a member of the mixed chorus at Belgrade High School and the glee group.  Later in life, as a non-traditional student, Darlene attended and graduated  from college with honors, obtaining her degree in Human Services, and later recieved her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  She was employed for over 27 years at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center.  

After high school, Darlene married Harvey Duane Johnson on October 30th, 1958 in Belgrade, Minnesota. This union was blessed with seven children; four sons, and three daughters: Brian Dale, Candace Dawn, Bradley Duane, Brett Daniel, Judith Ann, Lorilee Lynn, and Terrance Dion. Darlene and Harvey were divorced in 1971 after nearly thirteen years of marriage. Harvey passed away in 2002. 

Darlene always held family close, from raising her own seven children to being the best role model and guide to many of her own grandchildren. She had a great spirit about her, living life to its fullest with truth and authenticity. Darlene was strong and determined in body, mind, and spirit. Through adversity, she found the good in life and she never let a day pass her by without finding something to be grateful for.  Not only was she always there for her family, but she was a volunteer for many years with Friendship Ventures.  She was an avid Vikings fan and she enjoyed watching racing and her hobbies included, knitting, crocheting, dancing and she was a member of the Red Hat Society.

Darlene passed away on June 11, 2021, at home under the care of hospice and in the presence of her family. She attained the age of 83 years, 3 months, and 7 days. Darlene was greeted at the pearly gates by many family members who preceded her in death including her father, Arthur; her mother, Lorraine; her adoring son Bradley; her grandparents, Otto & Bertha (Johnson) Iverson and Peter & Eleanora (Lecher) Boever.

Left to mourn on this earth and to celebrate a life well-lived are Darlene’s six children, her beloved sister, Delores (Iverson) Caskey, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors; and her faithful furry friend.

Darlene was a role model to so many; she truly shared her faith through not only her words but also her actions. As she passed from this life into her eternal rest this morning and was greeted in Heaven by a host of family and friends who have gone on before; then, she was taken by Jesus’ hand and walked thru those pearly gates and told “well done thou good and faithful servant; your work on earth is done and you may now be at peace and breathe easily for you have come home!”  

Darlene will be missed by all of those who loved and adored her and she will remain forever in the hearts of those whose lives she touched even in just the smile she gave as she passed them on the streets. A graveside service and celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Willmar.

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