Darlene Katherine Gildea

Obituary

Darlene Katherine (Heinen) Gildea was born on April 1, 1926, in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of William and Mary (Daml) Heinen.  Darlene was baptized on April 5, 1926, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  She received her 1^st Communion on July 30, 1936, and was confirmed in her faith on July 6, 1941, both at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pine City, Minnesota.  Darlene received her education at a country school in Jarvis Bay, Pine City, Minnesota, thru the 8^th grade. 

On May 14, 1949, Darlene was united in marriage to Norman James Gildea at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Glencoe, Minnesota.  Darlene and Norman made their home in Glencoe.  In February of 2008, Darlene moved to Orchard Estates in Glencoe.  Their marriage was blessed with seven children, James, Sharon, Steven, Charles, Daniel, Donald and Scott.  Darlene and Norman shared 29 years of marriage until Norman passed away on January 19, 1979.

In the early 1940’s, Darlene worked various jobs including a drug store, candy shop and Honeywell in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  In 1947 when she moved to Glencoe, she worked at Strutware.  In addition to being a loving wife, mother and homemaker, Darlene helped Norman at the Mobil and Standard Stations as a bookkeeper.  She was a member at Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe. 

Darlene was always a busy and happy lady.  She loved to help Norman and support her children at their school events.  Darlene enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, walking, playing cards, bingo, sweets and socializing with others.  Darlene cherished the time spent with her family and friends.

Darlene passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 90 years, 4 months and 8 days.

Blessed be her memory.

Darlene is survived by her:
Children, Sharon Beutler and her husband, Raymond, of Milbank, SD,
Steven Gildea and his wife, Jackie, of Glencoe, MN,
Charles Gildea and his wife, Julie, of Arlington, MN,
Daniel Gildea and his wife, Jean, of Glencoe, MN,
Donald Gildea and his wife, Julie, of Victoria, MN,
Scott Gildea and his wife, Penny, of Glencoe, MN;
21 Grandchildren;
20 Great Grandchildren;
Sisters, Eileen Rys of Pine City, MN,
Eleanor Pawlicki of Glencoe, MN;
Brother, Robert Heinen of Phoenix, AZ;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives and many friends.

Darlene is preceded in death by her Parents, William and Mary Heinen; Husband, Norman Gildea; Son, James Gildea; Brother, Clair Heinen; Sister, Betty Kurtz; Brothers-In-Law & Sisters-In-Law, Frank Rys, Elgin Kurtz, George Kollar, Marge Heinen, Juanita Heinen, Mary Jo Kollar.