Darlene Marie (Eichstadt) Wolfe

Darlene (Eichstadt) Wolfe passed away on January 26, 2024 at the age of 87.

Darlene grew up on the family farm outside of Jeffers, MN. Throughout her life the farm was ‘down home’; the farm has been in the family for over 135 years. She married Eugene (Gene) C. Wolfe, Sr., after catching his attention at a local county fair. During their marriage they moved to Silver Bay then Mt. Iron and Duluth as Gene was promoted within the U.S. Postal Service.

Later than most, Darlene started a full-time career outside the home. She moved to the Minneapolis area and worked for over 15 years at North American Life/Allianz, most of her time in agent licensing. She enjoyed her work and it played to her many strengths; she was intellectually curious, enjoyed working with others, and was an excellent administrator.

Darlene cultivated and maintained deep friendships wherever she lived and worked. The friendships lasted and sustained her throughout her life.

Darlene led an active life and enjoyed many activities including golfing, gardening (with volumes of flowers and vines in the summer), yard maintenance in summer and winter, volunteering at the gift shop at North Memorial Hospital and annual American Cancer Society sales, and attending festivals and outings with friends. She read the newspaper front to back every day, ensuring she could discuss current events with family and friends.

Darlene was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed having beautiful and interesting clothes. She always had several alteration projects underway, ensuring that every article of clothing was nothing short of perfect.

Baking was a passion from her days on the farm. We treasure the tattered blue notebook from her high school home economics classes with its hand-written recipes.  The recipes were the staples of the family for a lifetime. No one made better chocolate fudge! There were always cookies or bars in the freezer, waiting for someone to join her at the kitchen table for coffee and a treat.

Darlene is survived by her son Eugene (Gene) Wolfe Jr. (Sydnie) and daughter Susan (James Bohn); sister-in-law Donna (Wolfe) Davidson (Jim); Eichstadt nieces and nephews and their families Jeff (Jane), Allyson (Tod), Taryn, Tammy (Tim) and Thomas (Traci); and Wolfe nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Ervin and Frieda (Hanish) Eichstadt and brothers Harlan, Dennis, and Vernon.

Blessing and burial will be at the Eichstadt family plot in Jeffers, MN on Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to North Memorial Hospital doctors, nurses, and therapists.  Their care and support for Darlene were truly exemplary.