Darlene Fern Erickson

Darlene Fern Erickson, age 93, of Kasson, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep, November 5, 2025, at Prairie Meadows Senior Living. Darlene was born June 26, 1932, in Austin, MN, the daughter of Wilburn (Ted) and Florence Johnson. She graduated from Austin High School in 1950, marrying Ernest Lechnir, Jr., January 7, 1951. They later divorced. Darlene and Robert Erickson were married July 1, 2007. Darlene cherished her children, Lana, Kate, Jeff, and Trace. First having two daughters and then two sons, Darlene would jokingly say, “I ordered them that way out of the catalog.”

Darlene is remembered by her infectious laughter, warm smile, kind heart, and creative spirit. She loved to sing, dance, observe cloud animals, long-distance walking, and was a member of a Bridge Card Club and Young Matrons. She started and ran the Y-Ponytailers Club, an activities group for young girls. Darlene co-wrote and performed in a play with Y-Matrons to celebrate the 1976 USA Bicentennial. Her first job was at Austin’s burger joint, the Tendermaid Sandwich Shop, and she retired from the Rochester Sam’s Club in 2007. Darlene was active in PTA and at Elkton’s St. John’s Lutheran Church. In 1970, she turned her artistic nature to china painting, becoming a member of the International Porcelain Artist and Teacher, Inc. (IPAT) Guild. She taught china painting out of her home in Elkton, later opening “Hoxie House” in Boca Raton, FL, continuing to teach. Always spreading joy, she became a member of Clowns International. As “Giggles” she delighted audiences with magic, participating in parades, parties, and face painting. She moved back to Minnesota in 1994 to be close to her mother.

Darlene was a member of the ELCA St. Olaf Lutheran Church women’s group. She knitted many prayer shawls. Darlene and Bob purchased a home in Austin, later moved to Chauncey Apartments and then to Prairie Meadows, sharing 11 wonderful years together. They were devoted to each other and enjoyed dancing and sharing a June 26 birthday. It is befitting to sign-off with these words from her favorite sweet and nostalgic song; “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”

Survivors include her children, Lana Weivoda of Lake Worth, FL, Kate (Sid) Spurgeon of Warsaw, MN, and Trace Lechnir of Wesley Chapel, FL; daughter-in-law, Camille Lechnir of Kasson, MN; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Nathan (Charlotte) Johnson of Maple Plain, MN; sister, Sue (Norm) Arpiainen of Calumet, MI; sisters-in-law, Connie Johnson and Carol Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilburn and Florence Johnson; husband, Robert Erickson; son, Jeffrey Lechnir; grandsons, Dakota Lechnir and Cass Spurgeon; brothers, Richard, David, and Raymond Johnson; and sister-in-law, Helen Johnson.

A memorial service will be announced at a future date. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin.