Darlene Tostenson

Darlene Tostenson, Montevideo, died on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 88.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Pastor Marie Eckberg officiating.  Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be held one hour before services on Friday at the church,

Darlene Alice Tostenson was born on November 4th, 1929 in Baxter Township, Lac qui Parle County to Elmer and Rose (Bubak) Thompson. She was baptized on March 20, 1930 and confirmed on November 4, 1943 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church of Baxter.  She grew up on the family farm and when her mother died at an early age she helped care for her siblings.  Darlene moved out to California working along the way, one of her first jobs was cleaning cabins at Yellow Stone National Park.  Darlene lived in California for several years before moving back to the Montevideo area for a short time.  She then moved to North Carolina where she completed her education for Licensed Practical Nurse.  When she moved back  to Montevideo she worked at the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital.  Darlene  met Herbert Tostenson when she moved back to Montevideo and they were united in marriage on April 23, 1976.

Darlene loved her job as a nurse in Montevideo which enabled her to even be in the delivery room for several of her grandchildren.  Outside of nursing Darlene was involved in the VFW Auxiliary.  She loved to travel, first with her sister and family and then with Herbie. Darlene and Herbie would smelt fish,  deer hunt and bear hunt together.   She enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, visits with friends and family and making lefse with her sister Deloris.  Darlene was an avid Twins and Viking fan.  Her most cherished times were spent with her grandchildren hugging them and taking care of them.

Darlene is survived by her children: Owen Yow, Montevideo, Brenda (Don) Melcher, Miltona, Kathy Varpness, Montevideo, Billy (Michelle) Jackson, Clara City, Julie (Bruce) Salfer, Belle Plaine; grandchildren: Wade (Stephanie) McDougal, Jessica McDougal, Heather McDougal, Kristopher (Alesha)Sparby, Nathan Running, Corey (Marsai) Melcher, Jason Melcher, Kassaundra Yow; great-grandchildren: Mason, Megan, Samatha, Madison, Jacob, Lidia, Avery, Dustin, Joseph, Sierra, Nathen, Asher, Bralen, Madison, Keanna, Gabe; great-great grandchildren: Kiya and Kinzley; brother: Eugene Thompson, Reeder, ND; sister: Deloris Sundlee, Montevideo; as well as other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Herbert; brother, Raymond and sister, Virginia Thompson.