Watch Darlene's Memorial Service

Darlene Yvonne Kjos of Hitterdal, MN passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 90 years.

Darlene Yvonne Erickson Schultz was born September 23, 1932, in Detroit Lakes, MN to John and Fern Erickson. After a divorce, her mother remarried a widower named John Schultz. Darlene grew up on the farm three miles north and two miles east of Hitterdal. Darlene was a tomboy growing up and helped with outdoor chores, milking the cows, cleaning the barn, slopping the pigs and feeding the chickens. She loved helping her dad in the field.  Darlene attended school in Hitterdal and spent most of her time free outdoors and climbing trees.

Darlene married Waldo Kjos on August 20, 1950, and they first rented a home in Hawley, MN. They lived a few different places in the town of Hitterdal, until 1958, when they moved out to the country two and half miles north and half mile east of Hitterdal. Together they raised their family of eight children on the farm.  After the children were grown, their oldest son purchased the home place, at which time Waldo and Darlene moved back into Hitterdal.  She worked at the Hitterdal school for many years as a cook in the kitchen. Waldo and Darlene were married for 58 years. They enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. They loved their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Waldo passed away on March 8, 2008.

Over the next few years, Darlene's friendship with Nordahl "Gordy" Arntson, her neighbor across the street who was also a widower, grew deeper and blossomed into love.  On June 16, 2018, Darlene and Gordy were united in marriage and his home became their home.  Her family immediately grew as she welcomed his children and grandchildren as her own.  Gordy and Darlene enjoyed 4-wheeling, fishing, and spending time at the lake.  They also spent many hours watching their grandchildren's sporting events and concerts.  Their trip to Las Vegas created memories of which they often laughed about.  Darlene was an exceptional gardener and took great pride in her flowers.  She was very meticulous with her yard and produced a beautiful work of art for all to enjoy.  As Darlene's heath began to fail, Gordy lovingly cared for her.  They remained side by side until the very end.  Darlene loved with her whole heart and was truly blessed with love in return.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband, Gordy; all of their children: Todd (Arlene) Kjos of Hitterdal; Shirley (Ron) Gwin of Mapleton, N.D; Wayne (Melanie) Kjos of Ulen, MN; Kristi (Vernon) Prestegord of Twin Valley, MN; Mike (Jenny) Kjos of Hawley, MN; LuAnn (Ole) Larson of Lake Park, MN; LouAnn (late, James) Kjos of Ulen; and Lynnette (Ross) Wagner of Brainerd, MN; 19 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 2 great- great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Beverly Schultz; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Waldo Kjos; her son, James Kjos; two great grandchildren, Reese and Hudsyn Larson; her sisters:  Beverly Mell, Carol Gray, Charlotte Goff; and her brother, Lyle Schultz.

The family wants to thank Gordy for taking good care of our mother. We also want to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley, Home Health Care, and all the family members that provided care. Thank you to all who prayed for our mother and our family. Thank you to all that provided food and goodies. The family appreciates you and God Bless everyone.

A Private Family Service was held at 2:00pm on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley.  Inurnment was at Salem East Cemetery in Hitterdal.