Obituary: Darlene A. Mattinen

Darlene A. Mattinen, 80, of Goodland, Minnesota, passed away June 2, 2024, surrounded by family at St. Luke's Medical Center in Duluth.

Darlene was born in 1944 to LeRoy and Isabel Erickson in Shafter, California. She grew up in the Cloquet area, graduating from Cloquet High School. After high school, Darlene became a licensed practical nurse. She met the love of her life, Tom, through their parents, and the pair was married on Aug. 31, 1963.

Darlene worked as an LPN in various places, including clinics and nursing homes. When the pair moved to Goodland, she became a cornerstone in the community. She was in charge of many funeral luncheons for the Goodland area, and could be depended on as a friend to chat with, to always be willing to lend a hand, and to have enough candy for everyone. Darlene was a strong and independent lady, and because of this she was lovingly referred to as "The Warden" of Goodland.

She enjoyed reading, going to ladies' Bible studies, gardening, collecting gnomes, flowers,

going to casinos - where she and Tom would "go to work" - and, more recently, she developed a love for Amazon. Darlene also served as treasurer for Goodland Presbyterian Church for 37 years.

Darlene was a Goodland treasure, loved by many, a blessing to all that knew her. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom; and sister, Sandi. Darlene is survived by her children, Janet (Jeff) Hakala, Wendy (Scott) Gangl, and Peter (Kristi); grandchildren, Rylee (Corey), Ryan (Stacey), Jessi (Michael), Nick (Jennifer), Josh (Rachel), and Jack; five great-grandchildren; and many friends.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Thursday, June 6 at Goodland Community Church in Goodland. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Goodland. The Rev. Zach McNeil will officiate.

The family would like any memorials in memory of Darlene to go to Goodland Community Church, 19571 County Road 560, Goodland MN 55742.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit http://www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.