Darlene Bottem, 78, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Saturday, September 01, 2012 at her residence with her loving husband, Larry at her side. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM on Wednesday at the church. Darlene Joan Drees was born on November 16, 1933 in Dorothy, MN the daughter of Peter and Elsie (Barrett) Drees. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. Darlene attended country school near Dorothy, MN and graduated from Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls. Following school, Darlene worked as a secretary at Bridgeman's in Thief River Falls. On May 15, 1954, Darlene was united in marriage to Lawrence Bottem at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls and to this union 5 children were born, Jeffrey, Laurie, Kathy, Gregory, and Timothy. While the children were growing up, Darlene stayed home and raised the children. Darlene enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, crocheting, crafts, playing at the casino, canning, cooking and baking for other people and her family and gardening. She was a very caring, gentle, kind, and giving person. She was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Survivors include her loving husband of 58 years, Larry of Thief River Falls; children, Jeff (Lynda) Bottem of Plano, TX, Laurie (Chuck) Kelly of Billings, MT, Kathy Johnson, Greg (Robin) Bottem, Timothy (Lisa) Bottem all of Thief River Falls; 10 grandchildren, Kamber Kelly, Kandice (Ty) Gregorak, Kyle (Kim) Bottem, Kelsey (fiancé, Brent Holmgren) Johnson, Chelsey (Kyle) Vettleson, Bryana Davidson, Cody Bottem, Troy Bottem, Brendan and Colin Bottem; great-grandchildren, Kathryn Bottem, Kayda Parker and baby Vettleson on the way; and brother, Marvin Drees of San Diego, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents.