Darlene A. Lange, 87, of Ostrander, Minn., formerly of Racine, Minn., passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021, of natural causes, at Mayo Clinic Rochester – St. Marys Campus.
Darlene Ann Herschley was born on November 22, 1933, in Claremont, Minn., to William and Maude (Langworthy) Herschley. She grew up in the Claremont, Dodge Center area where she graduated from Dodge Center H.S. in 1951. Darlene was married in 1953 to Jack Ward. The couple lived in California until their divorce. Darlene raised her girls in Dodge Center until her marriage in 1970 to Verland Lange. They made their home in rural Racine where they raised their girls. Darlene was a homemaker and was employed at the Stewartville Care Center in the laundry department for over 20 years and was the supervisor at the time of her retirement. She also cleaned offices and private homes for a number of years in Stewartville. Verland was a long time Racine area farmer until his retirement and was employed full-time at Jensen Family Chiropractic in Stewartville as a reflexologist. The Langes moved to Ostrander, Minn., in 2010. Darlene was a past long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stewartville. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and playing bingo. She loved time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Darlene is survived by her husband Verland, three daughters: Nancy Klenke of Racine, Betty (Jerry) Vandeweerd of Austin, and Jolene (Nathan) Serfling of rural Preston; two grandchildren: Jill Vandeweerd (Emilio Sandoval) and Joseph Vandeweerd; and four great-grandchildren: Bradon, Greyson, Kara and Emily.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Haven and Kenneth Herschley.
A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. A private family funeral service will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home, with Rev. Justin Kumfer officiating. Burial will follow in Hamilton Cemetery in rural Racine.
Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Darlene are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.