Darlene Kay Lestrud, 77, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester. She loved and was loved by her family, friends and her critters — not necessarily always in that order.

Darlene was born to Lloyd and Marlys (Hanson) Lestrud on May 3, 1942, and grew up in rural Austin. She went to Magnuson Country School and graduated from Austin High School. She retired from Hormel Foods after 30 years of employment and moved to the LeRoy/Riceville, Iowa, area where she blossomed, made many friends and enjoyed bowling on Tuesday nights.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Marlys Lestrud.

She is survived by her three dogs, Emma, Blackie and Sophie, who are now living with her daughter; her daughter, Devona (Larry) Maher, of Northwood; grandsons Chad LyBarger of White Bear Lake and Drey LyBarger of Auburn, Michigan; brother, Larry (Janice) Lestrud; nephew, Kent Lestrud, and their children Jakob (Cindy) Sprandel and their son, Kolten, and Hunter, Kaleigh and Connor Lestrud; niece, Sandy (Dave) Nelson, and their children Zach (Marlee) Nelson and Katelyn Nelson; nephew, Dan (JoDee) Lestrud, and their children Curi Lestrud (Jenny Heerdt) with daughters Emma and Luna, and Kaled and Mattie Lestrud.

There will be an open house celebration of life gathering for family and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at her daughter’s house at 4966 Cedar Lane in rural Northwood.