Darlene Faye Stene, 75, died on Monday, December 6, 2021, at her residence in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 11AM at Trinity Lutheran Church Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Burial will be at Wild Rice Cemetery, Rural Twin Valley, MN, later.

On May 14, 1946 (on her mother Hazel's birthday), Darlene was born to Albert and Hazel (Lien) Stene in Ada, MN.  She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.  Darlene attended the Ada school district, graduating in 1964.  Darlene worked in the kitchen at the Ada Hospital.  She worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Moorhead, MN, before attending Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead, MN,  for business training.  Darlene worked at Motel 75 as the night auditor for many years, and then UAP Northern Plains hired Darlene to be a bookkeeper for the business.

In 2002, Darlene managed a motel in Detroit Lakes before moving to Bennington, Nebraska, in 2003.  She worked at Runza Café, where her niece and nephew, Neasha and Nate, also worked. In 2012, Darlene returned to Thief River Falls, living at Skylight apartments.

Darlene was the "Goofy Auntie"!  She was always up for a road trip and brought her to laugh wherever she went. She loved taking her nieces and nephews to the store and the Dairy Queen for treats.  Her children were her nephews and nieces and great-nephews and nieces.  Celebrating birthdays and special events with family and friends were extra special to Darlene, and she treasured that time with everyone. She was the potato ricer and lefse roller for baking days and the biggest hugger because even if she didn't know you, she knew the power of a hug. Darlene loved her family, and they loved her.  Darlene has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since moving to Thief River Falls.

Darlene is survived by siblings, LaVonne Miller, Thief River Falls, MN; Myron (Karen) Stene, Gary, MN; several nephews and nieces, great-nephews and nieces and great-great-nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Proceeded in death by her parents, brother, and sister-in-law, Arvid and Corrine Stene, sister and brother in law, Hilda (Wally) Bartz, infant sister, Eloris Stene, niece, Rev. Sherry Billberg, nephew, Shane Stene.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com