Darlene Dimke

Darlene Norma Dimke passed away peacefully at her home on December 30, 2025.

She was born February 12, 1932 in Plumber, MN to Eleanore and Elmer Schjelderup. She was third in line of six children. Darlene graduated High School from Plumber and moved to Fergus Falls shortly after. She lived in the nursing cottages while working at the State Hospital in the Psychiatric Department.

Darlene married Lloyd Dimke on November 28, 1954 and welcomed son, Paul on October 26, 1958. He was the joy of her life, stating to a friend that she could shout from the roof top when she found out she was pregnant.

Darlene's hobbies were sewing, reading, volunteering and participating in bible study at First Lutheran Church. Darlene was an avid donor for the radio broadcast and prayed for everyone on the prayer chain continuing up until her last days.

Darlene welcomed her two grandchildren, Ryan and Megan on May 9, 1992. She was a loving and giving grandma.

Darlene, in the last two years of her life, lived with Megan and her family, along with 6 cats. The favorite being Coco who sat with Grandma many hours, even the night before she passed.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Lloyd; parents, Elmer and Eleanore; parents-in-law, Kenneth and Alice, Dimke; brother, Leslie, Schjelderup; sister, Lois Larson; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Dimke and Milton Brown; and sisters-in-law, Virgina Brown and Janice Dimke

Darlene is survived by her son, Paul (Julie) Dimke; grandson, Ryan (Dana) Johnson; granddaughter, Megan (Antonio) Butler; eight great-grandchildren, Andreya Cyntreya, Darius, Chardanay, Alizeya, Loveya Lockett, Cora and Easton Johnson; Paul's mother-in-law, Darlene Peterson; sisters, Carol Ashley of Ocean Springs and Sharon Schjelderup of Mounds View; sister-in-law, Carolyn Schjelderup of Coal Valley, IL; and brother, Gerald (Linda) Schjelderup of Moorhead, MN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moments Hospice or charity of donor's choice.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Kate Bruns

Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences can be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com