Darlene Olson

Darlene Ann Olson (Melby) passed away peacefully at the Evansville Care Center in Minnesota on Thursday, January 9, 2025. She was surrounded by her devoted husband, Bruce John Olson, and close family members. 

Darlene was born on October 29, 1938, in Alexandria, Minnesota and spent most of her childhood years in the Alexandria and Evansville areas. As a teenager, she also worked while going to school in Bayport and Stillwater. 

Her childhood was marred by the death of her father when she was only nine years old. Despite many hardships, she worked vigorously to get ahead and did her best to help her siblings get through many tough times.

Darlene was very active in the Alexandria community and is best remembered for her work at Hagstrom’s and Glenwear clothing stores. Many Alexandria residents still remember how she helped choose clothing for their children at Hagstrom’s. 

Darlene was an elegant lady and always looked the picture of perfection and grace with her stylish outfits and jewelry. She enjoyed the simple things - a good book, visiting with her family and friends, shopping, and indulging in her love for fresh coffee and delicious chocolates. 

Darlene’s family was her most precious gift, but she was so many things - a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and an exceptionally hard-working woman. She filled these roles with grace, love, and dedication. 

Darlene’s life was full of love, and there was love in everything she did. She loved to shine and celebrate the joys in life. Hope and courage could be found by looking into her eyes. 

All the lessons she taught her family and friends will forever remain in our hearts. She is in the sun, the wind, the rain, the snow, and in the air with every breath we take. We will often see her in the sky and hear her whisper words of love. 

Darlene is survived by husband Bruce; her siblings Muriel, Bonnie, Reed, Emmy, LuAnn, Donella, Gary and Randy; her children Don, Kathy, and Becky; as well as twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. 

Although Darlene will be sorely missed, we take comfort in the thought that she is no longer in pain - now free to walk, free to run, free to dance, and free to fly. May God bless and keep her, until we meet again. 

A graveside will be held at a later date.