Darlene Mae (Johnson) Cottrell

Darlene Mae Cottrell, age 88 of Elk River, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Thursday, December 12, 2024. She was born in Sturgeon Lake, MN on October 4, 1936 to Hugo and Myrtle (Lund) Johnson.

Darlene was raised in Sturgeon Lake and graduated from Willow River High School in 1954. She worked 25+ years as a legal secretary at Babcock, Locher, Neilson, and Mannella Attorneys at Law in Anoka, MN until her retirement at the age of 70.

On April 9, 1960, Darlene married the “love of her life”, Wesley Cottrell. Wes adored Darlene and during their 57 years of marriage, their commitment and love for one another was undeniable. They were blessed with three daughters: Pamela, Carolyn and Gretchen.

Darlene enjoyed knitting and crocheting, gardening, and she was an exceptional cook, baking many delicious treats for family events. She was the moral compass of the family and a great listener to all. Her soft-spoken personality and kind heart will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wes Cottrell; parents, Hugo and Myrtle Johnson; and siblings, Harold Johnson, Lee Johnson, Judy Miller.  Darlene is survived by her daughters, Pamela Cottrell, Carolyn (Pat) Mitzuk, Gretchen Marcotte; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sister, Linda (Jerry) Meyer; and many other loving family and friends.

We want to express a special thank you to the staff with Allina Hospice and Mercy Hospital for their excellent support and compassionate care shown to Darlene and our family.

A funeral service will be held Monday, December 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Central Lutheran Church, 1103 School St NW, Elk River, MN. Burial will be at Faith Lutheran Church Cemetery in Sturgeon Lake, MN.

In lieu of flowers, donor’s choice memorials are preferred in memory of Darlene.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com

Darlene's service may be viewed at: Darlene Cottrell Funeral Service

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