Darlene Ann Larson

Darlene Ann Larson, 87, of Alexandria passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at her home at Grand Arbor in Alexandria. A memorial service will be held Monday, January 15, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria at 11:00 AM with a funeral luncheon to follow. A public visitation will be held Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to services on Monday at the church.

Darlene Ann Larson was born on December 14, 1936, in Armstrong, Iowa to Gerald and Iva (Hehir) Niemeyer. She attended elementary school in Armstrong before moving to Worthington, Minnesota in 1945. With her father working as a band director, Darlene grew to love music at a young age. She loved playing with her sister and family, frequently attending city band practice in Worthington.

After graduating high school, Darlene attended college at Luther College at Decorah, Iowa. She played the trumpet all four years in college and graduated in 1958 with a degree in music and elementary education. Darlene taught elementary music for one year in Fairmont, Minnesota before marrying her high school sweetheart, Marvin Larson, on June 12, 1959, at First Lutheran Church in Worthington, Minnesota. The couple then moved to Rock Island, Illinois, where Darlene taught at the elementary school to support Marvin as he attended seminary school.

Marvin was ordained in 1963 and together they served parishes in Herman, Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, and Afton. Darlene was very involved in all the parishes – directing choirs, attending circles, quilting, etc., she also volunteered at the reception desk for Douglas County Hospital for many years as well as serving on various committees for several organizations in Alexandria throughout the years.

No matter how busy life became with her parish and volunteer work, Darlene’s first priority always remained her three children. She was a wonderful mom who always put her children first, attending many concerts, games, and after school activities.

Darlene and Marvin retired in 1995 and moved back to Alexandria. During their retirement they took many trips, played golf and cards, and enjoyed visiting many friends. Darlene will always be remembered for her kind nature and soft heart, as well as her love for shopping, crafts, and quilting.

Darlene passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024, at Grand Arbor Memory Care in Alexandria; she was 87 years old. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of over 64 years, Marvin Larson of Alexandria; children: Scott (Sharon) Larson of Solon Springs, WI, Pamela (Scott) Haglund of Owatonna, MN, Steven Larson of Chaska, MN; grandchildren: Michael (Ashley), Laura (Troy), Danny, Mitchell, Makina; great-grandchildren: Levi, Darlene “Lena”, Amelia; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Iva Niemeyer; and sister, Jane Lindner.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIALS TO CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH, GRAND ARBOR MEMORY CARE UNIT, AND THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION ARE PREFFERED.