Date of Birth:
Thursday, July 25, 1935
Date of Death:
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Age:
88 years old

Darlene J. Moody

Darlene Moody, fondly known as “the saint that married Frank,” is now truly, the saint that married Frank.  Darlene passed away peacefully Saturday morning at Season’s Hospice in Rochester MN, September 6, 2023 after a kiss from her husband Frank and the Lord’s prayer.

Darlene Moody (Hill) was born July 25,1935 to Brynolf and Esther Hill in Menahga, MN.  She had three sisters.  Frank and Darlene had no children but were known and respected by the many people they helped over the years, children and adults.  There are several nieces and nephews including many grands.  The family moved around a bit.  She and Frank have family all over the country from Oklahoma to Duluth to Wisconsin and New Hampshire.  Frank grew up in New Hampshire.

Darlene attended the University of Minnesota Duluth earning an Associate of Arts Degree.  Darlene met Frank while working as a travel agent in Duluth after being introduced by a United States Air Force buddy, Sunny Fine of Rochester, MN. Frank and Darlene met in October and were married the following January.  They moved around the country and the world as Frank pursued his USAF career.  After Frank left the USAF, they came to reside in Rochester, MN where they lived most of their 65 years of married life.  Darlene worked for several travel agencies including Dayton’s travel.  Frank owned and operated Moody’s service station and towing.

Darlene was blessed in many ways.  She was a patient at the Mayo Clinic and a pancreatic cancer survivor for over 20 years.  She and Frank were long time members of Bethel Lutheran church in Rochester where they served in several capacities including Sunday school and ushering.  Darlene enjoyed church bazars.  She celebrated her Finnish heritage making dishes like Mojakka stew.  She also enjoyed taking walks in the pines at Quarry Hill park with Frank.  Frank and Darlene hosted many 4th of July parties at their home on Willshire Drive for “Friends on Bill and Bob” where there was fellowship, food and a good view of fireworks was available at nightfall.  Frank and Darlene were good for Rochester and Rochester was good to them. They were good citizens of Rochester.

Darlene will be missed but we who knew her take comfort that she is now with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.  The funeral will be held Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester MN.  Family reviewal will start at 9 AM, public visitation at 10 AM, funeral services start at 11 AM with interment after at Grandview Memorial Gardens on Marion Road in Rochester MN.  A reception will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church after the interment.  Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester MN. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.