Date of Birth:
Saturday, May 6, 1933
Date of Death:
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Age:
86 years old

Darlene Marie Wentworth

Darlene Marie Wentworth, 86, of Rochester, MN, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

Darlene was born on May 6, 1933 in rural Breman, MN to Arthur Sr. and Elsie (Polikowsky) Folkert. She attended country school and graduated from Plainview High School in 1951. Darlene moved to Rochester, MN in 1951 and worked as a book keeper for Drips Grocery. From 1953-1959, Darlene worked in the City Clerk Office and then worked at the Law Enforcement Center in Records until her retirement in 1994. She also worked during general elections and at Community Education.

In 1954, Darlene was set up on a blind date with Dana Dartt Wentworth and the next day they went to the Minnesota State Fair. As they say the rest is history. On June 25, 1955, Darlene was united in marriage to Dana Dartt Wentworth at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bremen. Darlene and Dana were married for 62 years until Dana passed on July 27, 2017. They had four children, Paula, Todd, Jon and James.

Darlene was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. She always felt blessed to be brought up in a Christian home and her love of the Lord was her solid ground in life. Darlene loved her family and was a devoted wife, mom and grandma. She loved all things family and would attend as many events as possible. Both Darlene and Dana started by taking their young family across the US in a Buick Lesabre and a six-man canvas tent. On family camping trips, she always brought along a table so she could iron cloths.

Darlene loved doing crossword puzzles, sitting outside, was a great cook and baker, and took great pride in her home. One of her great pleasures in life was fishing in Canada, and she was serious about catching fish. She loved being with people and getting to know details about their lives; Darlene and her bright blue eyes were known for making everyone feel so welcome, and she was proficient in the “Long Minnesota Goodbye”. She always felt her husband had the sense of humor but she herself was quite funny and she had a beautiful smile, and loved to laugh. Listening to her telling of her day and accompanied hand gestures will forever be remembered.

Darlene is survived by her children: Paula (Paul Lindquist) Wentworth of Rochester, MN, Todd (Barb) Wentworth of Duluth, MN, Jon (Mary) Wentworth of Roseville, MN, and James (Carrie Clement) of Duluth, MN; six grandchildren: Monica, Thomas, Sean,  Karley, Collin and Oliver; brothers: Frank (Elaine) Folkert of Plainview, MN and Arthur, Jr. (Arlene) Folkert of Rochester, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dana Dartt Wentworth; her parents; her sister-in-law, Charlene Riedel; and brother-in-law, Bob Riedel; nephews, Craig Allen Folkert and Gregg Arthur Folkert; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of her caregivers and staff who gave Darlene loving care and smiles while at Edenbrook Nursing home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Redeemer Lutheran Church or Join the Journey (a local Rochester Mn organization that supports breast cancer patients).

A celebration of Darlene’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Adam Koglin officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Mantorville, MN.