Darlene A. Erickson was called home by her Heavenly Father on October 8, 2024, after a long courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. In her final days, she was surrounded by her beloved family as she prepared for eternal life with Jesus. Memorial Service was held Monday, October 21, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment held in the spring in Pelican Woods Cemetery in Breezy Point. Memorials preferred to Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Cloud or Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Home Health & Hospice in Crosby. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Scott Grorud; Eulogists: DeeDee Reiner, Denise Olsen; Reader: Brad Kittleson; Flutist: Bailey Willhite; Soloist: Mona Hjerpe “It Is Well With My Soul” ; Pianist and Soloist: Austin Willhite “The Lord’s Prayer”; Pianist: Lola Olsen “The Rose”; Special Music: “Show Me Around”; Congregational Hymns: “How Great Thou Art”; Honorary Urn Bearers: Matt Hartwig, Marcus Hartwig, Kelci Reiner,

Taylor Mendoza, Lilly Olsen, Lola Olsen; Urn Bearer: Mike Harwig Darlene Ann Erickson was born October 11, 1943, in Alexandria. She was the daughter of Earl and Ina (Hawkins) Plagman. Darlene’s father died in WWII and her mother later married Gus Larson, who adopted Darlene. They remained living in Alexandria until she was 13 years old, at which time the family moved to Montevideo. She was baptized as an infant and High School in 1961. confirmed in her faith. Darlene graduated from Montevideo Although she knew who Don Erickson was and knew his family, Darlene did not know Don when he found her and her sister stuck in the snow along the roadside, it would be the start of their forever love story. Although it didn’t happen immediately, it didn’t take her too long to figure out that this good Samaritan gentleman was worth serious consideration. They were united in marriage on May 11, 1963. They shared 61 years of marriage. Darlene moved to Hutchinson where Don was already living. Hutchinson was home for nearly 45 years. During living life in Hutchinson, they raised three daughters. In addition to being a mom, Darlene worked as a dental hygienist before beginning her career in the travel business. She managed World Travel Agency, helping people’s travel dreams come true for 16 years. In 1990, she continued in the travel business and became a friendly face in the sky as a Northwest flight attendant. Darlene retired from her travel career in 2008, after 18 years with Northwest Airlines. Although Darlene traveled the world, the family took annual summer vacations in Breezy Point. The visits to Breezy Point became more frequent and it officially became home in 2007, when Don and Darlene built a home there and moved from Hutchinson. It didn’t take too long to realize that winters were better spent in Arizona. Starting in 2013, they split their time between Breezy Point and Sun City West, Ariz. Darlene was an active participant, board member, and valued contributor in various church and community organizations in both the Hutchinson and Breezy Point communities. She has held an active role on the Pelican Woods Cemetery Commission, where she prided herself on keeping weeds out of the cemetery. Darlene was known to be a very social person, talking to everyone and making others feel comfortable.

She was up for any adventure and loved to have a good time. This was evident by her infectious laugh that could not be mistaken. Friendship and fellowship were a priority for her. Over the years, Darlene enjoyed a lot of travel, boating, fishing, golf, Harley riding, playing cards (especially bridge), and being a hostess to her friends and family. She loved sharing a meal and making memories. Darlene always added the extra special touch in all she did. Darlene is survived by her husband of 61 years, Don Erickson of Breezy Point; daughters, Darla Erickson of Sun City West, DeeDee (Craig) Reiner of Darwin, and Denise (Jason) Olsen of Hayward, Wis.; sister, Marilyn Sower of Burnsville; grandchildren, Michael Hartwig, Matthew Hartwig, Marcus Hartwig, Kelci Reiner, Taylor Mendoza, Lilly Olsen and Lola Olsen; greatgrandchildren, Luca, Nico and Rosalynn; many other

relatives and friends. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Plagman, Gus and Ina Larson; brother, Richard Plagman; and sister, Carol Livingston. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com.