Darlene M. Dezelske, 80

Darlene M. Dezelske, age 80, of New Prague, died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.  Darlene was born on August 20, 1941 in Farmington, MN to Barney and Florence (Cherry) Case.  She grew up on a farm and graduated from Farmington High School.  A handsome young man named David moved to Farmington as a freshman and met Darlene first on the bus to school – he was the first on and she was the last on, with the only seat being at the back with him!  The two would become high school sweethearts and marry on March 28, 1960 in Iowa, a loving union that would see them through 62 years of marriage.  In addition to raising two boys and Dave’s ½ sister, Darlene was a loyal employee of Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative for 45 years, starting first at the switchboard and ending her career with MVEC in Capital Credits.  She referred to the linemen at MVEC as “her MVEC linemen boys” and they affectionately called her “Mama D”.

 Darlene was a take-charge woman with a giving spirit; she was the first to help and put everyone else’s needs before her own.  She and David were youth group leaders in the Jordan Methodist Church.  She loved animals and was home to numerous cats and dogs throughout her lifetime.  She was an avid reader and was a member of a book club at the New Prague Library in her earlier years.  She enjoyed bird-watching and gardening and was a member of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.   Darlene’s  numerous flower and hosta gardens greeted visitors to her home with a sense of peace and calm.  She loved playing cards at Blanche’s cabin with her friends but her greatest joy came in time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; family was her greatest blessing and her pride and joy.  Her kind spirit, loving heart, and generosity will be missed by them and all who knew her.

 Darlene is survived by her loving husband, David H. Dezelske, Sr. of New Prague; son, David (Denise) Dezelske, Jr. of Belle Plaine and their children, Natalie (Adam) Eckstein, Courtney (Matthew) Bartusek; daughter-in-law, Kim Dezelske of Litchfield and her children, Jon (Amanda) Dezelske, Tim (Camilia) Dezelske, Kevin Dezelske, Candace Dezelske, Kayla Statz, Julius Dezelske, Avani Dezelske; ½ sister of Dave, raised in their home, Cyanna (Tom) Barry of Glencoe; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon (Marvin) Dezelske of Burnsville; brother, Dennis (Vicki) Case of Prior Lake. She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Neil Dezelske; great-grandson, Merrick Statz.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Spirit of Life Church in New Prague, with Pastor Carl Lindelien officiating.  Visitation will take place at church 1 hour prior to service.  Lunch will follow. A private burial will be held at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Wee3Beasties: Saving the Strays or Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.  bruzekfuneralhome.com