Service Information
Darlene A. Erickson, age 80, wife of Don, of Breezy Point, Minnesota, formerly of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, at 12:00 P.M. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment held in the spring in Pelican Woods Cemetery in Breezy Point.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials preferred to Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Cloud, Minnesota or Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Home Health & Hospice in Crosby, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be livestreamed via https://www.facebook.com/FaithLutheranHutchinson
Obituary
Darlene Ann Erickson was born October 11, 1943 in Alexandria, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Earl and Ina (Hawkins) Plagman. Darlene’s father died in WWII and her mother later married Gus Larson, who adopted Darlene. They remained living in Alexandria until she was thirteen years old, at which time the family moved to Montevideo, Minnesota. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her faith. Darlene graduated from Montevideo High School in 1961.
Although she knew who Don Erickson was and knew his family, Darlene did not know Don when he found her and her sister stuck in the snow along the roadside, it would be the start of their forever love story. Although it didn’t happen immediately, it didn’t take her too long to figure out that this good Samaritan gentleman was worth serious consideration. They were united in marriage on May 11, 1963. They shared 61 years of marriage.
Darlene moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota where Don was already living. Hutchinson was home for nearly 45 years. During living life in Hutchinson, they raised three daughters. In addition to being a mom, Darlene worked as a dental hygienist before beginning her career in the travel business. She managed World Travel Agency helping people’s travel dreams come true for sixteen years. In 1990, she continued in the travel business and became a friendly face in the sky as a Northwest Flight Attendant. Darlene retired from her travel career in 2008, after eighteen years with Northwest Airlines.
Although Darlene traveled the world, the family took annual summer vacations in Breezy Point, Minnesota. The visits to Breezy Point became more frequent and it officially became home in 2007, when Don and Darlene built a home there and moved from Hutchinson. It didn’t take too long to realize that winters were better spent in Arizona. Starting in 2013, they split their time between Breezy Point and Sun City West, Arizona.
Darlene was an active participant, board member, and valued contributor in various church and community organizations in both the Hutchinson and Breezy Point communities. She has held an active role on the Pelican Woods Cemetery Commission, where she prided herself on keeping weeds out of the cemetery.
Darlene was known to be a very social person, talking to everyone and making others feel comfortable. She was up for any adventure and loved to have a good time. This was evident by her infectious laugh that could not be mistaken. Friendship and fellowship were a priority for her. Over the years, Darlene enjoyed a lot of travel, boating, fishing, golf, Harley riding, playing cards (especially bridge), and being a hostess to her friends and family. She loved sharing a meal and making memories. Darlene always added the extra special touch in all she did.
Darlene is survived by her
Husband of 61 years, Don Erickson of Breezy Point, MN;
Daughters, Darla Erickson of Sun City West, AZ,
DeeDee (Craig) Reiner of Darwin, MN, and
Denise (Jason) Olsen of Hayward, WI;
Sister, Marilyn Sower of Burnsville, MN;
Grandchildren, Michael Hartwig, Matthew Hartwig, Marcus Hartwig, Kelci Reiner, Taylor Mendoza, Lilly Olsen and Lola Olsen;
Great grandchildren, Luca, Nico and Rosalynn;
Many other relatives and friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by her Parents, Earl Plagman, Gus and Ina Larson; Brother, Richard Plagman; and Sister, Carol Livingston.
Chris and Sandy Bostrom says
Don and family, We are so sorry for your loss! Darlene was such a beautiful woman inside and out. We will never forget that smile!
Becky Chase says
Auntie Darlene you will be missed we just got together a year ago when your sister My mom passed away. I love you too and how beautiful you look. I’m glad we got our time together while we had a chance.
Sandra Christensen says
We will miss Darlene had many good times growing in MN .. Spent alot of time with her and Don in Arizona. This was a schock I will miss her alot. God bless Don and her family
Becky Chase says
I had a memorial tree planted in memory of Darlene Erickson RIP you will be missed.
Joel and Cathy Kraft says
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Jan Klabunde says
My sympathy to the family. God will give you strength during this sad time. Sending Prayers to all. Darlene was special
judy r Hawkins says
Rest in peace you will always be remembered . Hawkins family
Marilyn Sower says
Wishing my precious sweet sister her first heavenly birthday wish on the day of her birth, My sister Dar was my life line on more than once in some of my darkest hours. My memories are many and she will always have a very special place in my heart until we meet again. My love always to Don, Darla, DeeDee and Denise and those seven grandchildren and the three great “littles” that she loved so much.
Mary Berger says
Sympathy to Darlene’s family. We had so many good times together.
Carol Johnson Norman says
So sorry for your loss Don. She was a lovely lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Julie Minor says
Don and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Darlene was such a beautiful, cheerful and loving person. She will be missed in this world. Blessings and my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. RIP Darlene. Julie Minor
Traci Tuor says
Our AZ neighbor Darlene will be missed a lot. “Her” dog Mercy will miss her. Jim and I loved her twinkle, her spunk, and her laughter. The way Don looked at her was so loving. My heart goes out to the entire family, but especially to Don. May joy return in sharing stories together. God bless all you loved her
Dorrie Putz says
Erickson family you are on my thoughts and prayers. Dorrie Ptz
allan kleven says
Don,darlene was a special lady sorry for your loss, haul on to your special memories. al k
Ron and Char Evjen says
Don and family. So very sad to hear about your loss. May God be with you and your family.
Connie Hogan says
I am so sorry to hear this news. Darlene had the kindest soul. ??
Jack & Connie Hogan
Mary(Ondahl) Rabenberg says
I am so sorry for your loss! She will be dearly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
We had many good times while in school in Montevideo.
Tammy Fleck says
So sorry for your entire family! She was such a fun-loving & classy lady.
Irene Hovendick says
My condolences to Don and the family . I have so many fond memories of Darlene in high school and going to our church camp. She was so much fun to be around and a great friend. She will be missed. Irene Hovendick
Linda Allen says
Don, Darla, DeeDee and Denise-
To you and your families our deepest sympathy. What an honor and privilege it was to provide care for your dear wife/sweet mother.
Please know we are thinking of you all and lifting you up. May the love and support of family and friends bring you comfort at this difficult time.
The Quiet Oaks Staff and Volunteers
Sue Schwinghammer says
I worked with Darlene at World Travel. I will always remember that wonderful laugh and our trips to New York. So sorry Don and family, love, hugs and prayers during this time.