Darlene Kay Tomlinson

Darlene passed away July 14, 2013 at her home after a courageous 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer, stage 4.  She donated her body to Mayo Clinic for research. Inurnment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery at a later date. Darlene was born May 29, 1950 to Waldomor (Wally) Anderson and Beverly Severtson Anderson in Albert Lea. She graduated from Lake Mills, IA High School.  She married Larry Winter in 1968 and they had two daughters, Teri Larson and Tammy Gaines. They were later divorced. Darlene worked as a utility clerk for 14 years for Wilsons, Seaboard, Cornbelt Meats, Farmstead, and Farmland Foods.  She also worked for 5 years for GNC and 5 years for Vitamin World.  She also had been a home health aide for Morning Star for 4 years. Darlene loved gardening, walking her dogs, riding bike and spending time with her grandchildren.
Darlene is survived by her daughters Teri (Gary) Larson and Tammy (Michael) Gaines, both of Glenville, her mother Beverly Estes of Northwood, IA, sisters Marilyn (Gene) Gentz of Forest City, IA, Bonnie (Richard) Brevig of Northwood, IA, Nancy (Dennis) Sanoski of Little Falls, MN,  and Kimberly Dietrich.  She is survived by brothers David Estes of Little Falls, MN, Allen Estes of Northwood, IA, and Wally Anderson Jr. Darlene is survived by four grandchildren, Ashley and Tyler Larson of Glenville and Cody and Kenna Gaines of Glenville.  She is also survived by uncle and aunt Ross and Ruth Ann Severtson of Glenville, and uncle Larry Severtson of Albert Lea, plus many nieces and nephews and cousins.  Darlene’s close friends who survive her are Pam Carlson, Becky Belcher, Pam Arneson, Judy Steens, Marie DeBoer, Ernie and Kathy Halvorson, Jeff Nielsen, Ren Cardona, and Wayne and Seny Steven. These friends were a special treasure to her. Darlene also leaves behind her beloved pets Dorie, Mitzi, Chewy, and Paris.
Preceding her in death was her father, Wally Anderson, a brother in infancy, Wally Anderson Jr,  sister Melanie Anderson, and her beloved grandmother Ruby Severtson and grandfathers Carl Severtson and Donald Anderson.
Darlene’s daughters wish to thank all Darlene’s family and friends for their care and a special thank you to Mindy Hartgers, CNP of Mayo Clinic in Rochester for her special care, concern and love during Darlene’s illness. Darlene’s sister Nancy took special care of her during the last 7 weeks of her life.  Darlene cherished visits and calls from her sister Bonnie also.
“You’re special because your life is God’s love letter to the world.”