Service Information
Darlene Wolfe, age 75, of Gaylord, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be Thursday, March 5, 2020, 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord with interment in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, New Auburn Township, Sibley County, Minnesota.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2020, one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Darlene was born July 31, 1944, at home in Green Isle Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Clarence and Gertrude (Ehlers) Vinkemeier. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Green Isle Township, Sibley County, Minnesota and confirmed at Centennial Lutheran Church in Henderson, Minnesota. Darlene graduated from Le Sueur High School in 1962. She went on to attend Mankato Business School, Mankato, Minnesota.
On June 21, 1969, Darlene was united in marriage to Gerald Dietel at St. Paul’s Evangelical Reformed Church of Hamburg, Minnesota. They made their home in Arlington and were blessed with children Deb, Laura and John. They shared 28 years of marriage when Gerald passed away suddenly August 22, 1997.
Darlene enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially her eight grandchildren. She loved going to sporting events, church programs, plays, and making craft projects with her grandchildren. She was a proud grandma. Lunch dates with her siblings and friends were also a highlight for Darlene. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Arlington Garden Club. She was also an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota, Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, Minnesota, and most recently Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord, Minnesota. She enjoyed making greeting cards for the Immanuel Lutheran Youth League and making costume jewelry.
Darlene is survived by:
Daughters, Deb (Joe) Deis of Gaylord and
Laura (Jason) Telecky of Buffalo;
Son, John (Kate) Dietel of Monticello;
Grandchildren, Connor and Aaron Deis, Ellie and Olivia Telecky, and Jaymon, Isaac, Cole and Ashlyn Dietel;
Siblings, Carol (Darrel) Borchardt of Winthrop, Phyllis (Roger) Meffert of Gaylord, Wayne (Lori) Vinkemeier of Stewart, Bruce (Marilyn) Vinkemeier of Glencoe, Dale (Julie) Vinkemeier of Henderson, Dennis Vinkemeier of Gaylord and Kent Vinkemeier of Le Sueur;
sisters-in-law, Darlene (Wilbert) Renken of Plato and Dorothy (Gordon) Griesmann of Chanhassen;
nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by husband, Gerald; and parents, Clarence & Gertrude Vinkemeier.
Bruce Vinkemeier says
Our precious Darlene is now at home with Jesus. We miss her so much already.
Pauline Dietel Fruetel says
I am so sorry for your loss. Darlene was always such a kind and sweet person.
Myrna Kuphal says
Dear Debbie and family,
My heart hurts. My sympathy to you and your family. I loved your mom. She was a very sweet lady. I will miss her greatly. I had so many laughs with Darlene and Phyllis. She was a friend to so many. May the memories you have carry you through these difficult days to better days ahead. I pray you are comforted by the sure hope of resurrection and a wonderful reunion in heaven one day. My sincere sympathy, Myrna Kuphal
Denise Traver Zellmann says
My deepest sympathies to Darlene’s family. She was always so kind and generous. Just the sweetest person I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. We will all miss you dearly. Heaven gained another angel.
Darnelle Mammen says
Our hearts are saddened. We worked with Darlene back in the mid sixties at the Registrar’s Office at Mankato State College. She’s been a kind, caring and funny friend. We will miss our lunches and shopping outings. We won’t be able to make it to her services. Her family is our thoughts and prayers. May your love of God give you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Marge Beeman
Darnelle Mammen
Bonnie Johnson says
I am so sorry to hear about Darlene! I just found out. I remember her smile and she was always so happy. I remember her being so thoughtful and care. My prayers are with your family. God Bless.