Darlene H. Hietala, age 71 died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at her home on Shallow Lake, near Warba, Minnesota.

Darlene Helen Hietala was born November 21, 1953 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Lawrence James and Elsie Mae Helen (Ragsdale) Gilbert. Darlene grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from high school in 1972. Later that year, she was united in marriage to John H. Hietala. When John was finished with his education, Darlene and John moved to Fridley, Minnesota. In 1976, they made Northfield, Minnesota their home to raise their family. Darlene worked at Sheldahl in Northfield for 30 years. Although Darlene and John lived in Northfield, they traveled to Shallow Lake several times each month to enjoy the lake and spend time with family. Prior to John's retirement, Darlene and John built their lake home on Shallow Lake, and upon retirement made Northern Minnesota their home.

Darlene loved spending time on the water; she loved to swim, fish during all seasons, and especially enjoyed the loons that also call Shallow Lake home. She enjoyed taking in the sunshine, caring for her beautiful gardens and was happiest when she could be in the outdoors. Over the years, Darlene and John enjoyed traveling together. More often they had many adventures in the Boundary Waters with their family canoeing, kayaking and cooking over an open fire. These trips created lasting memories and peaceful moments for her. She was an avid sports lover and enjoyed following the Minnesota Vikings. No matter what curveball life threw at her, Darlene rose to the challenge; her ambition was contagious. Darlene also looked forward to trips to the casino with her long-time work friends. Many family members would say that she was the glue that held everyone together through her strength and caring nature. Above all, she was a dedicated mother, a thoughtful sister, and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jimmy Gilbert and Roy Gilbert.

She will be deeply missed by her best friend and devoted husband of 52 years, John; children, Joshua (Kari) Hietala; Angela Hietala; Penny Hietala; and Christopher Smith; grandchildren, Simone, Carter, Olivia, Jaden, Ava, and Zane; her siblings, Donny (Debbie) Gilbert, Denny Gilbert (Katie Draper), Lila Gilbert, Karline (Mike) Muzzy, and Paul (Suzanne) Gilbert; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.