Darlene R. Karlstrom

Darlene Rosella (Keller) Karlstrom, 89, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Eventide TCU in Moorhead, MN.

Darlene was born October 22, 1934, to Alvin and Veronica “Toots” (Dennis) Keller in Fargo, ND. She was the oldest of nine children. The Kellers lived in south Moorhead where Darlene attended St. Joseph school until her senior year when she transferred to Moorhead Campus School and met Duane Karlstrom.

Duane and Darlene married in 1953 and made their home on the Karlstrom Farm, south of Moorhead. While she and Duane raised four children on the family farm, Darlene flourished in her role as a housewife, enjoying cooking, gardening, and sewing. As members of Bethesda Lutheran Church, she and Duane volunteered in many areas.  Darlene was on the Church Council, taught Sunday school, and along with her friends on the Ladies Auxiliary, prepared and served countless meals for church events. Her early interests also included P.E.O., Garden Club, Homemakers, bowling, square dancing, and hosting get-togethers with family and friends.

Darlene had two jobs outside the home: in high school at the iconic Moorhead Dairy Queen and in the early 1990s at Daytons Department store. Amazingly, she was often top in sales, even without knowing how to run the cash register.

In 1989 Darlene moved to her home on Moorhead Village Green Golf Course where she enjoyed the scenery, ducks, and sunsets. Darlene found great joy in her family and loved being included in her eight grandchildren’s busy schedules and activities and later visiting with her 13 great grandchildren.  

Over the years, she enjoyed the companionship of her friend Dale Hatfield and socializing with friends old and new.  If you had the pleasure of knowing Dar, she most likely offered to feed you and entertain you with her signature stories, which typically poked fun at herself. Darlene loved to share the gift of laughter.

Darlene is survived by her children, Kimberly (Keith) Dickelman, David (Cindy) Karlstrom, Kent (Sue) Karlstrom, and Kay Hilde; grandchildren, Melissa (Darren) Duplechin, Mindi (David) Feir, Isaac Karlstrom, Samantha (Carl Johnson) Hilde, Gabby (Cameron) Cordes, Spencer (Erica) Hilde, Wilson Karlstrom, and Keller Karlstrom; thirteen great grandchildren; and siblings, Bonnie Melby, Diane (Arlan) Anderson, Ranee Palacios, and John (Barbara) Keller.

Visitation will be at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN, on Saturday, April 6, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, followed by a prayer service at 4:30 PM.