Lois Marie Darrington (Korsness)

Lois Marie Darrington (Korsness) was born on November 6, 1962, in Decorah to Thelma and Lester Korsness of Hesper, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Hesper Lutheran Church where she began a lifelong relationship with Jesus and music. After graduating from North Winneshiek School (K-12) in 1981, Lois graduated with a BA in Social Work and Religion from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Long acquainted through the church, Lois asked her future husband, Edward Darrington, to the Luther College Symphony Ball. A year later, on May 19, 1984, Lois married the love of her life, Edward, at Hesper Lutheran Church. Over the years they welcomed three children to the family. In 1993 they moved to Brookings, S. Dak., to pursue opportunities in Edward’s college town and have spent many happy years together creating community and wonderful memories. The family worshipped at Lake Campbell Lutheran Church near Volga, SD, where Lois played piano and organ for many years. Ministry through music was her passion and she brought music wherever she went. She loved to lead the children’s programs as well as visiting the elderly with her vibrant, caring personality. Lois taught generations of piano students and helped them find their love of music with many students pursuing musical careers. She enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen, baking bread, cooking for all who entered, gardening, square dancing, social dancing, reading, studying, and composing music. She believed that laughter healed and brought people together. She truly and strongly embraced the goodness in everyone using wisdom and patience to help foster understanding, connection, and love. Lois opened her home and heart to many neighbors and friends including four international students through exchange programs, and many graduate students attending South Dakota State University. A common sentiment with graduate students was her welcome and care created comfort and softened the distance from home. She embraced her Norwegian heritage through the study of language and culture. There is no doubt that this nurturing, loving, and devoted lady will be dearly missed by all.

Lois passed unexpectedly on Sunday, June 28, 2020 in Brookings.

Lois is survived by her father Lester Korsness of Hesper, Iowa; her husband Edward Darrington, her siblings Linda (Jeff) Hernes of Shoreview, Minn., Martha (Mark) Jepsen of Center Point, Iowa, and Paul (Nicolle) Korsness of Decorah, Iowa; her children Joseph (Lorien Sopchak) Darrington of Port Byron, N.Y., Heidi (Bryce) Muenchow of Horicon, Wis., and Jonathan (Nadia Ridgway) Darrington of Brookings, S. Dak.; her grandchildren Gale and Nora Muenchow, father-in-law Dean (Diane) Darrington of Rushford, Minn., as well as aunts, uncles, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lois is preceded in death by her mother Thelma Korsness; and her mother-in-law Shirley Darrington.

A visitation will be held at Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel, Minn., from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020. To ensure the health and well-being of all in attendance, the family will provide hand sanitizer, masks, and water. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 3. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Brookings, S. Dak.

Memorials are preferred and will be used for the advancement of young musicians of all needs.