Darlene Kay (Wilken) Martin

Darlene Kay (Wilken) Martin, age 87 of Monticello, passed away peacefully on her four-season porch June 10, 2024 while holding her husband’s hand.

Darlene was born December 13, 1936 at the family farm in Monticello to George Wilken and Gertrude (Stevers) Wilken. She grew up in Monticello where she was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Darlene graduated from Monticello High School in 1955.

After graduating, she moved to the cities to work for Honeywell and the airport. She met Melroy Robert Martin, the love of her life, and married him in 1958 at St. Peter’s Parsonage. She and Melroy had three sons then moved back to Monticello.

She enjoyed a big circle of friends, traveling, fishing, camping, playing board games and fixing puzzles. Darlene and Melroy were founding members of Life in Christ Lutheran Church in Albertville, MN.

Darlene loved playing countless card games with her sisters. The four girls shared an inseparable bond and were affectionately known as “The Wilken Girls”.

Darlene was a loving mother, and grandmother. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband Melroy; sons Greg (Karen), Bryon (Monica), and Daryl (Maria); grandchildren Zachary, Sarah, Vanessa, Desiree, and Brianna; and sister Donna (Larry) Anderson. Darlene is preceded in death by her parents George and Gertrude Wilken; twin Delores, sisters Joyce (Gene) Fyle, Sondra (Perry) Walters.

Visitation will be held from 4-7PM, Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Life in Christ Lutheran Church, 5015 Main Avenue NE, Albertville, MN and one hour prior to service. Funeral is Monday at 11AM, Monday, June 17, 2024 at church. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment after the luncheon at Riverside Cemetery in Monticello, MN. Arrangements entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel ~ Monticello, 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darlene Kay (Wilken) Martin, please visit our floral store.