Darlene Christensen

Darlene Christensen of Hoffman passed away peacefully Thursday, August 14, 2025 at the Evansville Care Center.

Darlene Amelia (Schaffran) was born February 27, 1934, in Granite Rock Township, Lucan, MN, to parents George and Gesena (Schmiesing) Schaffran. She was baptized and later confirmed at Johnsonville Trinity Lutheran Church in Lucan. She attended Wabasso Public School before continuing her education at Mankato Business School. On November 5, 1955, Darlene was united in marriage to Percy Christensen at Johnsonville Trinity Lutheran Church. To this union four children were born: Nancy, Steven, Karyn, and Laurie. Darlene had various jobs throughout the years including at Northwestern Bell in Minneapolis, as a rural mail carrier for 20 years in Kensington, and as site manager for the Hoffman Senior Citizens for 17 years.

She also served her community volunteering. She volunteered as the president of the Hoffman Senior Citizens, a driver for Meals on Wheels, many positions with Lands Lutheran Church and Messiah Lutheran Church, secretary of Area 4 Rural Carriers Association, Runestone Farmers Union, and as a Lions club member.

Darlene enjoyed traveling, as she has been to Alaska, California and southwestern states, Washington DC and surrounding states, Florida, and Graceland. She was known for her amazing cooking and love of baking, including 100's of pie crusts for the Hoffman Fall Festival over the years. She always had cookies and bars to share with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren. Darlene enjoyed helping her community through all her volunteer work.

Darlene is preceded in death by her husband, Percy (2008); parents, George and Gesena Schaffran; siblings, Lester Schaffran, Dennis Schaffran, Joanne (Jim) Valentin.

She is survived by children, Nancy (Daryl) Dosdall of Hancock, MN, Steven (Rayetta) Christensen of Emerado, ND, Karyn (Kevin) Groenewold of Balaton, MN, Laurie Christensen of Detroit Lakes, MN; grandchildren, Tyler Christensen of Fargo, ND, Charlie Christensen of Grand Forks, ND, Brandon Groenewold of Owatonna, MN, Brianna Groenewold, of Mankato, MN; Godchildren, Barry Georgius, Terry Lecy, Kim Schaffran; sister-in-law, Gail Schaffran; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:00pm Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman, with a visitation beginning at 11:30am. Burial following the service at Lands Cemetery in Hoffman, MN.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to WELCA of Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman, MN.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Hoffman.