Darlene Lutterman

Darlene Kay (Oelkers) Lutterman, 81, of Brainerd, MN, passed away at Christian Community Homes in Hudson, WI, on July 29, 2024, with her family by her side. 

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Darlene was born on October 23, 1942, to Robert and Delores (Torman) Oelkers. She grew up on a farm outside Dunnell, Minnesota, where she enjoyed being outside, helping with farm chores, and riding her horse. 

Darlene and her husband, Dennis, met in high school, where she was a majorette, cheerleader, and saxophone player. They were married on June 29, 1963. She majored in geography and physical education at Mankato State and later supported Dennis through his bachelor's and master's degrees. The couple moved to St. Cloud and, in 1968, to Brainerd, where they raised their children: Lee, Lori, and Julie. Darlene was immensely proud of her children and served as their unwavering cheerleader, constantly reminding them of how smart and capable they were and never missing a chance to offer a compliment. 

Every summer, Dennis and Darlene took their children on a 3-week camping trip, often covering up to 4,000 miles either out west or to the east. These adventures instilled a love of travel in all of them, leaving behind amazing memories. After their children were grown, Darlene and Dennis took two unforgettable trips to Europe. For their 25th anniversary, they visited Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Later, to celebrate their 50th anniversary, they toured Italy. Additionally, they often spent several weeks each year in the south to escape part of the winter. 

While raising her children, Darlene operated a daycare from their home for many years. Once her children were older, she took on a role at Northern Orthopedics in Brainerd, MN, where she worked as a secretarial specialist, handling workers' compensation cases for over 20 years. Much of her paycheck was used to support her three children through many years of college. We are so grateful to her. 

Darlene was a lover of all things floral, antiques, pretty clothes, shopping for collectibles, and refinishing furniture. She cultivated beautiful flowers and plants and lovingly decorated their home with all her found treasures. She had a unique gift for transforming something old and worn into something beautiful. She enjoyed pretty things and fancy dishes and loved setting a fabulous table for entertaining. Christmas was her passion, and she made each one special. 

In 1985, Darlene joined the effort to work on the new Brainerd crisis line and volunteered for more than 35 years, dedicating thousands of hours to helping countless people in their most vulnerable times. She excelled at being there for others and continued her service on the line until just recently. 

Darlene cherished her bridge group and dinner groups, forming lifelong friendships with them. She was a beloved grandmother to Ryan, John, Gabi, Sydney, and Nicholas, and they, along with her children, are her greatest legacy. She wholeheartedly embraced and loved her role as a grandmother. She and Dennis traveled many miles to visit with them, care for them, and attend their various sporting and musical events. She was immensely proud of them and loved them endlessly. 

Despite her long bouts with illness in 2023, last summer, we were so happy she could attend Nicholas’s graduation party, capture a photo with Sydney and her newly minted college degree, and celebrate her 60th anniversary with Dennis in June. We will all deeply miss her support and love. 

We are thankful that she is finally at peace, although we are deeply saddened by what she had to endure. Dennis was unwavering in his love and support for her, never leaving her side. 

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis, her parents, Robert and Delores Oelkers, and many other relatives and friends. She is survived by her children: Lee (Barb) Lutterman, Lori (Jeff) Rossini, and Julie Lutterman (Dimitri Ndreko); and her grandchildren: Ryan Lutterman, John Lutterman, Gabi Rossini, Sydney Rossini, and Nicholas Ndreko. She is also survived by her sisters, Donna (Spark) Brinkman and Joyce (Brian) Peterson; her brother, Jim (Cheryl) Oelkers; Dennis' brothers and sisters and their spouses; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks to her nurse, Latoya, and to the St. Croix hospice team for their support and kindness during this most difficult time. 

Memorials are preferred to the family or to the Brainerd area crisis line and referral service. 

Services will be held on September 13, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the start of the service. Lunch will follow. Interment will be at a later date in Sherburn, MN, next to Dennis. Please consider wearing bright colors in her honor.