Please click on the video tribute below to view Darlene's funeral and burial services.

Darlene Marie Gast, 73, was born April 9, 1948 to Chester and Myrtle (Nephew) Tradewell at St. Francis Hospital in Crookston, MN.  She was baptized and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile.  She attended Fertile-Beltrami High School, graduating in 1966.

Darlene married her high school sweetheart, Harold Gast on January 20, 1968 at Concordia Lutheran Church. They lived in Florida, Rhode Island and Tennessee while Harold was in the Navy from 1968-72. Darlene began her work in healthcare at Bethesda Hospital and St Francis Hospital. From 1974-2016, she worked at Fair Meadow Nursing Home as a CNA and later an Activity Aide, where she brought joy and excitement to residents and staff. From singing to jumping on beds to hiding carts, her enthusiasm made people smile. Her gift was providing loving care to the elderly; taking time to be near for some in their final days.  Darlene enjoyed being a farm wife, often helping Harold where needed and hauling grain during harvest. Another mission she had was cooking with her best friend Jeanette at Bethany Bible Camp. More important than cooking meals, was her eye for spotting children who were lonely or in need of love.  Darlene was also active in the Guardian Angels of Fertile, Fair Meadow Guild, Red Hats, Golden Girls and bible studies at her church.

Darlene enjoyed watching the MN Twins with her mother-in-law Stella, attending her grandkids activities bringing treats, and going on scenic drives with her friend Allen. She was often found in her kitchen baking for her family and friends. She hosted many tea parties over the years at the nursing home and with grandchildren, teaching manners while serving a variety of goodies. She found joy in knitting washcloths, birdwatching, gardening, making jelly and Christmas cookies. Darlene's fondest memories were cherished times with family, where there was always fun, laughter and food.

Darlene treasured her devotional time with the Lord. In her courageous fight for her health, she depended on her faith choosing to trust in the Lord with all her heart. She decided to choose joy in the Lord knowing there would be difficult days. If we have faith in God and put our trust in Him, He will bring the joy and peace that surpasses all understanding to our hearts.

Darlene is survived by her four children Wendy and Wolfe Clark, Fertile, MN; Camille and Corey Uhrich, Fergus Falls, MN; Ryan and Emily Gast, Erskine, MN; Rebecca and Brian Boe, Maple Lake, MN; fifteen grandchildren Eli and Brooke, Taylor, and Andrah Clark; Emma, Jack and Ava Uhrich; Jude, Warren, Ingrid and Ezra Gast; Charlie, Asher, Grayson and Finley Boe and one great granddaughter, Isla Darlene Clark. Her brothers Maynard (Doreen) Tradewell, Coon Rapids and Michael (Kathy) Tradewell, Jacksonville, NC, sisters-in-law Nancy Tradewell, Erskine, MN; Susan (Greg) Holmvik, Ada, MN, Sandy (Jon) Veile, Finley, ND; brothers-in-law Brad (Magali) Gast, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Bruce (Mary) Gast, East Grand Forks, MN; Randy (Jo) Gast, East Grand Forks, MN; and Mike Gast of Grygla, MN; and her mother-in-law Stella Waale Gast, Fertile, MN; many nephews, nieces and cousins.  Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her unborn baby, her mother and father, her bothers William and Ronnie Tradewell, and sister Marlys Rasmussen. Darlene passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021 at her home surrounded by her children.

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM, Monday, May 3, 2021 at Resurrection Free Lutheran Church, Beltrami, MN, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Masks are encouraged.

Visitation: 5:00 – 7:00 PM, with a prayer service to begin at 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Resurrection Free Lutheran Church, Beltrami, MN.

Interment: Fairview Cemetery, Beltrami, MN.

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