Darlene J. Koosmann
Darlene J. Koosman, age 90 of Morris, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Visitation for Darlene J. Koosman will be held Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
Visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Morris, MN.
Funeral services for Darlene J. Koosmann will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Morris, MN
Burial will be in Dry Wood Cemetery, rural Appleton at a later date.
Darlene was born at home in Shible Township, rural Appleton, to William and Helen (Stenstuen) Radtke on November 3, 1935. She was baptized at home by Pr. Paul Gierke on December 2, 1935. She attended country school District 56 in Swift County and later District 65 in Big Stone County. Darlene was confirmed by Pr. William Peterson on June 11, 1950, at Drywood Lutheran Church, rural Appleton. She held an unwavering faith in God and her Christian values influenced every area of her life. Darlene graduated from Appleton High School in 1953.
Before marriage she worked as a secretary/bookkeeper for Geo. H. Heineke and Sons in Appleton, where she met the love of her life, when Orville frequented the store for his John Deere parts. Orville and Darlene were married on November 21, 1954, at Drywood Lutheran Church by Pr. Palmer Wold. They lived on the farm nine miles north of Appleton for 55 years.
Orville and Darlene together raised three children, Tim, Wendy, and Wanda, and together shared almost 71 years of marriage. Darlene worked as a homemaker and assisted Orville on their farm.
She was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (formerly Drywood Lutheran Church), where she was involved with women’s ministries, served as a Sunday School teacher and Luther League advisor. Darlene also served as a 4-H leader and member of Busy Homemakers Club, also serving as that club’s county president. After their children were raised, Darlene worked at Pioneer Public TV in Appleton for ten years.
In June, 2009, Orville and Darlene moved off the farm to Hancock to be near Wendy’s family, where they lived for thirteen years. In March, 2022, Orville and Darlene moved to Skyview Plaza in Morris.
Orville and Darlene enjoyed nearly twenty years driving their motorhome to Arizona for the winters and loved traveling together, often with their close family friends, the Harstes. Some of their favorite travels included China and Japan, Alaska, Caribbean cruises, and baseball games to watch Orville’s brother, Jerry, pitch with the NY Mets. They also greatly enjoyed countless camping trips with their children and grandchildren.
Most of all, Darlene cherished their time spent with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also loved shopping, especially shopping days with her daughters and granddaughters. Though she didn’t love it, she was an amazing cook and faithfully carried on her mother’s lefse-making legacy!
Darlene is survived by husband: Orville; children: Tim (Natalie) Koosmann of Corona, South Dakota; Wendy (Bennett) Zierke of Hancock, MN, and Wanda (Gordon) Weber of Buffalo, MN; thirteen grandchildren; and twenty-three great grandchildren: Allison (Joshua) Humburg and children Emery, Maverick and Raelyn; Mitchell Koosmann; Leah (Chad) Ver Steeg and children Samuel, Jackson, Malachi, Baylor, and Eliana; Jamie Shelley and daughter Evangeline; Keri (Michael) Zierke, and children Joseph, Lydia, David, and Abigail; Kyle (Courtney) Zierke and children Larken, Marcus, Judah, Wilder, Jack, and Levi; Caleb (Elizabeth) Zierke and son Benji; Ryan (Jennifer) Zierke and baby boy due in February; Joel Zierke; Jacob Zierke; Cameron (Paige) Weber and daughter Macie; Erik Weber; Tori (Chad) Peitz and children Palmer and Lainey; brothers-in-law: Jerry Koosman and Elton (Clarice) Koosman; sister-in-law: LaVonne Koosman; and nieces and nephews.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law: Martin and Lydia Koosmann; brother: Verlan (LaMae) Radtke; sister-in-law: Violet (Robert) Dilly; and great granddaughter: Sophia Ver Steeg.
The family requests memorials be made to SCMC Courage Cottage.
Arrangements are with Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
