Darlene Femrite

Darlene Ann (Goodyear) Femrite, 88, of Starbuck, MN, passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, surrounded by family at her lakeside home.

Darlene was born in a blizzard February 15, 1936, Boyden, IA, along with her twin sister Delores (Lorie), to Elmer and Dora Goodyear, the fourth of five children. Lorie was Darlene’s lifelong playmate, mentor, and confidant. Darlene treasured their relationship dearly. In 1947, her family moved to Minnesota when they purchased farmland outside Glenwood, MN.

Darlene graduated from Glenwood High School in 1954. Although their father offered to help them start a dress shop in town, the twins advocated to attend college. Darlene graduated from Moorhead State Teachers College in 1957. On July 5, 1957, Darlene married Arnold (Arnie) Femrite in a candlelight service that followed her twin sister Lorie’s wedding to Paul Billehus, which occurred earlier that day. Darlene and Arnie raised their three daughters in Richfield, MN, and enjoyed nearly 67 years of devoted marriage, endless golf, and summers at the lake.

Darlene relished her career as an educator. In 1957, she landed her first job as an elementary teacher and continued to gain career experience at Twin Cities school districts while raising a family. Darlene returned to school to receive her Masters in Special Education. Her most gratifying position was as a Coordinator of Learning Disabilities and Emotionally/Behaviorally Disordered for the Minnesota River Valley Special Education Cooperative. She developed wonderful friendships with her co-workers, which led to worldwide travel and memories.

Above all, Darlene was her family’s heartbeat. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, leader, and queen of the greens. Upon retirement, Darlene and Arnie enjoyed life on the shores of Lake Minnewaska. Their home was a physical embodiment of love as they hosted family holidays and celebrations year-round – always with an open door and a surplus of sweets. Darlene and Arnie also spent many winters in Arizona, where they soaked in the sun and played many rounds of golf.

It’s not an understatement to say Darlene enjoyed keeping busy! From golf, gardening, quilting, baking, reading, GFWC, church groups, and more, Darlene was energized by the desire to connect with others and make a difference. She championed all causes, especially those underserved, to show how small acts make a difference. Her family remains inspired by the legacy Darlene leaves behind.

Darlene is survived by her husband Arnie; three children, Jane (Brad) Peterson of Burnsville, Jody (Tim) Knust of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kristen (Mark) Moran of Lake Shore; eight grandchildren, Kelsey, Matt (Abby), Erik, Grace, Claire, Peter, Ben, and Charlie; two great-grandchildren: Jack and James; sister Lorie (Paul) Billehus; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lloyd and LaVern Goodyear, and sister Shirley Goodyear.

A special thanks to Glacial Ridge Hospice for their tender care of Darlene and to Pastor Paul Johnson that led us with dignity, grace, and love to say goodbye to our dear matriarch.

A visitation will be held Monday, March 18, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home. Services will be held Tuesday, March 19, 11:00 a.m. at Fron Lutheran Church, Starbuck, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service and a luncheon afterwards. Private burial to occur at Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Someplace Safe of Pope County and Fron Lutheran Church Sunday School.