Darlene Wasfaret

Darlene, better known as “Grandma Darlene” or “GiGi” passed away peacefully on the early morning of Saturday, September 11, 2021, in Wadena, Minnesota.

Darlene A. (Ostenvik) Wasfaret was born on October 23, 1931, to Rasmus and Alma Ostenvik in Flom, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen, Minnesota, where she remained a life-long member. Darlene attended Ulen High School, graduating with the class of 1949.

On September 30, 1950, Darlene was united in marriage to Orlin Wasfaret at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Together, they made their home in Ulen. During their 55 years of marriage, they raised four children together: Randy (Noy) Wasfaret; Robin (Jerry) Johnson; Jeffery Wasfaret; and Angel (Jack) Heimbuch. In her lifetime, she grieved the loss of her husband Orlin, and three of their children.

In her early years, Darlene enjoyed gardening both vegetables and flowers, barbeques, family picnics, fishing. She loved spending time with her family – especially her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Darlene continued to live in Ulen until health issues brought her to live with her daughter, Angel, and her family in rural Verndale, Minnesota.

Darlene was a wife, a mother, and a sister. She also had the privilege of being an aunt, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. She was a big part of many lives, and the time spent together with her will always be cherished.

Preceding Darlene in death are her parents: Rasmus and Alma; husband: Orlin; sons: Randy and Jeffery Wasfaret; daughter: Robin Johnson; and sister: Ardis Larson.

Darlene is survived by her daughter: Angel Heimbuch (Jack) of rural Verndale; grandchildren: Kellie Wiethorn; Jenny Heimbuch; Tiffany Blair; Jared Heimbuch; and Jacob (Allysha) Heimbuch; great-grandchildren: Amanda Wiethorn; Kramer Anderson; and Hank Heimbuch; sisters: Ruby Barquest; and Jane Cramer; brother: Harlow (Gloria) Ostenvik; special niece: Valerie Knutson; good friend: Pearl Ostenvik; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

If you wish to memorialize Darlene, please consider the Ulen Rescue, or Viking Manor Nursing Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen, Minnesota on October 29, 2021, at 12:00 Noon with lunch and fellowship to follow. Honorary Pallbearers are Darlene’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Darlene will be laid to rest at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ulen.

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