Darlene C. Renken

Obituary

Darlene Christina Helena Renken was born on November 5, 1936, at home in Hamburg, Minnesota. She was the daughter of John H. and Frieda C. (Kroells) Dietel. Darlene was baptized as an infant in December 1936 and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on April 2, 1950, both at St. Paul Evangelical Reformed Church in Hamburg. She received her education in Norwood Young America and was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1954.

On October 11, 1958, Darlene was united in marriage to Wilbert Renken at St. Paul Evangelical Reformed Church in Hamburg. After their marriage, the couple resided on a farm north of Plato, Minnesota. They were blessed with four children: Curtis, Charlotte, Craig, and Corey. Darlene and Wilbert shared 66 years of marriage.

Darlene was employed at Oak Grove Dairy in Norwood, working various roles for nearly 50 years. She retired in 2004. Darlene was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato, Minnesota. She loved Jesus with her whole heart. She was a dedicated servant to the members of her church and volunteered her time serving at the church.

Darlene was the kindest, most considerate, and loving person. She was compassionate, empathetic, and her patience was unmatched. Darlene will always be remembered for having a smile on her face. Darlene loved tending to her gardens and baking in the kitchen. Spending time with her family and friends was time she truly cherished.

Darlene entered her eternal rest on Monday, June 16, 2025, at The Harbor at Peace Village in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, at the age of 88 years, 7 months, and 11 days. Blessed be her memory.

Darlene is survived by
Husband, Wilbert Renken;
Daughter, Charlotte Maye, and her husband, Ken, of Chaska, MN;
Son, Corey Renken, and his wife, Cari, of Victoria, MN;
Grandchildren, Carissa Clancy, Samantha Schmidt, and her husband, Aaron, Matthew Grunst, Jadyn Renken, Giana Renken;
Great-Grandchildren, Ruby Clancy, Rose Clancy, and Hadley Schmidt;
Sister, Dorothy Griesmann and her husband, Gordy;
Sisters-in-law, Evelyn Panning, Helen Proehl;
Daughter-in-law, Jacquelyn Renken;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Many Friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her Sons, Curtis Renken and Craig Renken; Father and Mother, John and Frieda Dietel; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Charles and Malinda Renken; Brother, Gerald Dietel and his wife, Darlene (Dietel-Wolfe); Brothers-in-law, Eldrin and his wife, Marvel, Wayne Proehl, Werner Panning.