Darlene Swenson

Darlene Elsie Swenson, age 83, of Alexandria, died unexpectedly on Thursday November 26, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital where she was awaiting pacemaker surgery. Darlene lived a long happy life and died peacefully in her sleep.

Darlene (Diedrich) Swenson was born on December 11, 1936, in Leaf Valley Township to Herbert and Violet (Freudenberg) Diedrich. She was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Effington Township. She lived on the family farm and went to country school. Upon completion of her schooling she began working as a waitress. Darlene was united in marriage to Clinton Swenson and they moved to New Mexico. Upon returning to Minnesota, Darlene worked several jobs as a waitress along with her fulltime job for over 20 years, at Juno Plastics in Alexandria until her retirement. Darlene worked hard all her life. She also had many passions; she loved reading, working on her embroidery making countless hand towels and watching TV; enjoying old favorites especially classic westerns. Darlene also enjoyed her trips to the casino, playing bingo, going to the family farm, and playing cards, marbles and numerous other games with her siblings and children.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son Oscar; son-in-law Rick Borowicz; Five brothers; Kenneth, Norman, Reuben, Artin, David and sister Lois Johnson.

Darlene is survived by her six children; Shirley (Rick-deceased) Borowicz of New Richmond, WI, Loren of Parkers Prairie, Kim (Jerry) Anderson of Ham Lake, Allen of Farmington, Bob (Sue) of Parkers Prairie and Arnold of Garfield; 8 Grandchildren; Adam (Abbey) Borowicz, Randy Anderson, Nathan (Katie) Borowicz, Kayla Anderson, Brenda Bartness, Brittany (Matt) Gappa, Bradley Swenson, Brianna Swenson; and 12 Great-Grandchildren; 5 brothers; Oscar, Daniel (Rosemary), Donald, Dale and Bertram; 4 sisters; Delphine (Jim) Farley, Jane (Darold - deceased) Pflugradt, Lorraine (Ron) Anderson, Carol (Dean) Hollatz and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 10 AM at St. James Lutheran Church in Effington Township, MN with the Reverend Scott Brown officiating.

A visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, proper social distancing and face coverings will be required.

Interment will be in the church cemetery.