Thief River Falls – Darlene Shetler passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls surrounded by her loving family.
Darlene Marie Pahlen was born April 1, 1937 at Thief River Falls, daughter of Leo and Elayne (Brekke) Pahlen. She was raised in the Thief River Falls area and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955.
On June 11, 1955 she was united in marriage to Lawrence “Larry” Shetler at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. To this union seven children were born Terri, Tammy, Don, Lynn, Renae, Gordy, and Amy. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls, where she raised her family.
Dolly was a true fan of the Minnesota Wild Hockey, she enjoyed fishing Lake of the Woods with Larry, she was a gifted painter, she also enjoyed embroidery, cooking and baking, and bible study. She was a supporter of Wounded Warrior Project, previous instructor of Marriage Encounter and leader of church prayer group.
Dolly is survived by her children Terri (Richard) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN, Tammy George of Warroad, Don (Jan) Shetler of Maricopa, AZ, Lynn DeVault of Aspen, CO, Renae (Andy) Casperson of Watford City, ND, Gordy (Michaun) Shetler of Grand Forks, ND and Amy (Jeff) Wilkens of Fargo, ND: grandchildren Angie (Dan) Cleberg, Tera (Fred) Hufnagel, Eric Olson, Mike Shetler, Josh (Kelly) Harris, Carisa (Christian) Hultgren, Karen Shetler, Ryan Leskiw, Kyle Leskiw, Jake Grina, Kayla Grina, Tyler Shetler, Ethan Shetler, Allen (Ashley) Wilkens, Jessica (Matt) Gastecki, Amanda (Ryan) Wilkens; great-grandchildren Noelle Olson, Marah Olson, Alex Olson, Violet Olson, Zion Cleberg, Leah Hufnagel, Emma Hufnagel, Keeley Wilkens, Henley Gastecki, Beckett Wilkens, Cullen Gastecki, Luke Harris, Will Harris, Gage Harris, Liam Hultgren; sisters Peggy Chmielewski of Ramsey, and Mary Ella Maas of Mille Lacs; sister-in-law Bev Pahlen of Plummer and brother-in-law Dave Petersen of Anoka; brothers-in-law Tom (Susan) Shetler, Dave (Laura) Shetler; sister-in-law Kathy (Tim) Dahlstrom; along with many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Larry, parents Leo and Elayne Pahlen, brothers Robert and Rick and infant Dale; sisters Karen Petersen and infant Teresa Pahlen.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls with Father Rick Lambert officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Burial will be held at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
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