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

Darlene was born in 1944 to LeRoy and Isabel Erickson in Shafter, California. She grew up in the Cloquet, Minnesota area, graduating from Cloquet High School. After high school, Darlene took classes and received her LPN license. She met the love of her life, Tom,  through their parents, and the pair was married on August 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, could be depended on as a friend to chat with, always willing to lend a hand, and for having 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 all that knew her. She will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom; and sister, Sandi. Darlene is survived by her children, Janet (Jeff) Hakala, Wendy (Scott) Gangl, Peter (Kristi); grandchildren, Rylee (Corey), Ryan (Stacey), Jessi (Michael), Nick (Jennifer), Josh (Rachel), Jack; 5 great grandchildren; and many friends.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Goodland Community Church, Goodland, MN beginning at 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM memorial service. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, in Goodland, MN. Rev. Zach McNeil will officiate.

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

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