Darlene Ziegler, age 87, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on August 22, 2026, at Serenity Memory Care in Dilworth, MN surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister and will be greatly missed. Everyone who met Darlene loved her.

Darlene was born on September 25, 1938, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Oscar and Alma (Dahlstrom) Olson. She grew up in Horace, North Dakota, as one of 14 children and attended school there. After completing her schooling, Darlene became a telephone operator.

Darlene married Allan Ziegler on October 14, 1961. Together they farmed in Perley, Minnesota and raised their two daughters, Jill and Jody. In 1967, they moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, when Jill started kindergarten. Moorhead remained their home ever since.

Darlene’s family was at the heart of her life. She took great pride in raising her daughters, spoiling her grandsons, and building two homes with Allan. Allan worked in construction, starting his own construction company. Building those family homes kept Darlene busy with design and decorating decisions.

Darlene returned to the workforce as a secretary for AAL Insurance and then later in the Financial Aid department of Concordia College, retiring after 23 years. In retirement, Darlene kept active by volunteering at church, the Sanford Hospital gift shop, the Sanford Auxiliary, and Red River Valley Hospice (now HIA Hospice). She was recognized by the Sanford Volunteer committee for thousands of hours of service.

Darlene and Allan enjoyed summers with family at their lake home in Detroit Lakes and wintering in Clearwater, Florida. Many of Darlene’s siblings also spent time in Clearwater, sharing Sunday potlucks, good card games, lots of food, plenty of laughs and a little Sangria.

Darlene is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Allan Ziegler, her two daughters, Jill Nolley (Don), Minneapolis, MN; Jody Hesse (Bruce), Black River Falls, WI; and three grandsons – Ryan Luttio (Annie), Rodger Luttio (Marina) and Alex Nolley. She is also survived by sisters Ollie Lien, Barnesville, and Glennda Nicholson, Dilworth, bonus daughter Cheryl Nyborg and many nieces and nephews (including self-proclaimed “favorite niece,” Stacy Nicholson, who helped care for Darlene)

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and 11 of her siblings.

The family would like to say a special thank you for the compassionate care provided by Serenity Memory Care and their wonderful staff, especially Kendra who was with us when mom passed. Also, HIA Hospice, and Kinder Care, West Fargo.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 4:00 - 6:00p.m. with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. Funeral services will be Monday, August 31, 2026, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Moorhead at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour before the service. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Moorhead or HIA Hospice.