Funeral services were held for Darlene Truax age 90 of Deer Creek, on Thursday, February 22 at 12 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek, with Pastor Donald Wagner presiding. Music was sung by the congregation and accompanied by Marcus Lueders. Pallbearers were Darlene’s Grandchildren: Shelly Gowan, Brad Truax, JJ Truax, Matt Blevins, Dana Blevins, Ashley Prepeluh, Jordan Wohlwend, Tyler Wohlwend, Ryan Truax, Brandon Truax, Austin Hubble, Cherry McGee, Louise McGee. Darlene was laid to rest at Oakhills Cemetery in Deer Creek.

Darlene Jane Wardien was born on June 9, 1933 to Ernie and Elsie (Helmrichs) Wardien on the family farm near Deer Creek. Darlene was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. She attended the Deer Creek school, and after graduation Darlene got a job at a bank in Minneapolis, Minn. for a year.

On March 29, 1952, Darlene was united in marriage to James Truax in Deer Creek. Their marriage was blessed with six children: Steve (Sandy) Truax, Pam (Steve) Blevins, Joyce (Scott) Wohlwend, Greg (Kathy) Truax, Tim (LuAnne) Truax, and Gail (Monty) Hubble.

Jim and Darlene bought Ernie and Elsie’s farm where they raised their family and farmed together for over forty years. Darlene always had a large garden, and in the fall it was family tradition to harvest and can the produce, which provided excellent food for the upcoming winter. She prided herself on her well-stocked pantry.

When the day’s work was done, Jim and Darlene would often load up the kids and head to the neighbors or nearby family for a visit which always ended with good food being served. Attending local sporting events was a big part of their life. They especially enjoyed the Deer Creek Cardinals and Shockers baseball games.

Darlene was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was also a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Preceding Darlene in death was her husband of 71 years, Jim; parents Ernie and Elsie Wardien; father- and mother-in-law Clifford and Emma Truax; brother and sister-in-law Earl and Florance; son, Steve; granddaughter, Angie Blevins; grandson, Trevor Blevins; brother-in-law, Lawrence Truax; sister-in-law, Helen Greenwaldt.

Darlene is survived her children: Pam (Steve) Blevins; Joyce (Scott) Wohlend; Greg (Kathy) Truax; Tim (Lu Anne) Truax and Gail (Monty) Hubble; daughter-in-law, Sandy Truax; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shirley (Harris) Bendix; sister-in-law, Maxine Truax; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Darlene’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Wadena.