Darlene Rae Petersen
June 25, 1933 ~ February 18, 2025
Darlene R. Petersen, 91, Brandon, SD, passed on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Bethany Home in Brandon, SD.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Brandon Lutheran Church, Brandon, SD. You can view the Funeral Service by clicking HERE.
Darlene Rae Henley was born on June 25, 1933, in Carson, ND to Oliver and Rosina (Tibke) Henley. Her family moved to Hayti, SD at the request of a friend who asked her dad to come and work in the grocery store. Darlene worked in the grocery store as a young lady as well.
Darlene started school in Hayti, graduating in 1951. She then moved on to General Beadle Teacher’s College where she found a job teaching at a country school.
Darlene married Jim Petersen on June 7, 1952, in Hayti, after meeting him in first grade. Once married, they moved to Sioux Falls where Jim worked for Morrells for 37 years. Darlene worked for a time in admissions at Sioux Valley Hospital. Over the years, Darlene had several part-time jobs including church secretary, sales at Richman-Gordmans, when they opened in Sioux Falls, and much volunteer work, most notably at the front desk in Avera’s Prairie Center.
For Darlene, during their over 50 years of living in Brandon, volunteering at Brandon Lutheran Church by helping with the annual lefse baking was a real highlight. Sewing, knitting, and crocheting for her family were ever present projects.
Darlene’s family will tell you that painting ceramics in her basement was so much fun with any visit. Darlene taught ceramic painting in her basement for several years before moving on to China painting. She was a very accomplished artist and loved giving away her masterpieces.
Darlene and Jim were blessed with four children, Lynne (Mark) Erickson, Valley Springs, SD, Mark (Della Weise) Petersen, Brandon, SD, Todd (Patty) Petersen, Sioux Falls, SD, and Beth (Chris Price) Lynn, Bruce, SD; nine grandchildren, Megan (Jon) Knutson, Nichole (Trev) Fletcher, Nathan (Hannah) Erickson, Cody (Abbey) Erickson, Zach (Michelle) Petersen, Melanie (Lucas Bartolme’ Gil) Petersen, Erin (Sam) Berg, Lacey Lynn and Lexy Lynn; ten great-grandchildren, Elise, Caitlyn, Tristyn, Annastyn, Keller, Mason, Savannah, Rosie, Marigold, and Shiloh; siblings, Garney (Charlotte) Henley, Huron, SD, and DiAnn Kothe, Sioux Falls; and many nieces, nephews, good friends, and neighbors.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; daughter, Robin Petersen; great-granddaughter, Kinsley Erickson; her parents, Oliver and Rosina; brother Harold Henley; sister-in-law, Janice Henley; and brother-in-law, Larry Kothe.
Darlene was one of the first people I met when we moved to Brandon. She and my mom knew each other growing up. She helped repair a few pieces of ceramics for me which I’ll always be thankful for.
She touched many lives and will be missed by many.
I was so sorry to see that Darlene passed away. I China painted with her for years. We had such good times and laughs. She was a wonderful person and I am grateful that she was a part of my life.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Todd and Family: We were sorry to here of Darlene’s passing. Our Mom and Dad spent a fair of time with Jim and Darlene at various sporting events “back in the day” and thoroughly enjoyed their company. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Petersen Family. On behalf of the Ron and Carol Archer family.