1951 – 2024
Mrs. Darlene Patricia Gundersen of Innisfail, Alberta passed away on January 5, 2024 at the age of 71 years after a short battle with cancer.
Darlene was born in Innisfail on February 4, 1952 to Harold and Joyce Smith. One of five children, she was raised on the family farm east of Caroline, Alberta. In 1968, Darlene was welcomed into the Gundersen family when she married Freeman. Darlene and Freeman moved to the family farm just west of Spruce View, Alberta which they eventually purchased from Freeman’s parents. As a farm wife, Darlene had an active role with animals, harvest and became an accomplished seamstress, cook and baker. Darlene joked that their first loan as a married couple was for her first sewing machine. Darlene and Freeman raised a family on the farm with daughter, Angela and son, Troy. As a family they enjoyed camping, ATV’s and skiing (snow and water), and Darlene continued to sew, cook, bake and volunteer in her community. The coffee pot was rarely turned off, and friends and family were always welcome.
For over 25 years, Darlene and Freeman travelled south to Yuma, Arizona for a portion of each winter, where they spent time with old friends and met many wonderful new friends. They enjoyed much of their summers at Dickson Cove, became close with many of their neighbors and cherished many family reunions and celebrations there. In 1999 Darlene and Freeman sold the family farm to son, Troy and daughter-in-law Diane and moved to the Hamlet of Spruce View. Darlene stayed busy baking, volunteering and she started making quilts.
When they truly retired, Darlene and Freeman moved to Innisfail. Darlene made even more quilts, many donated and even more gifted, giving testament to her patience and creativity, leaving beautiful pieces that will be cherished for generations to come. She baked countless batches of her famous cinnamon buns and other delicious treats that brought smiles to the faces of everyone that tasted them. Her family was particularly spoiled on their birthdays. Darlene was an avid reader, loved beating the “men” at cards, enjoyed country music, and had a strong Christian faith. Her love for her family was limitless and she always put their needs above her own. Bragging about her grandchildren also became a favorite pastime. Darlene was so proud when she became a grandmother and thrilled again when she recently became a great-grandmother. Darlene and Freeman recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Darlene will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Freeman, daughter Angela (Brent) Budvarson, son Troy (Diane) Gundersen, sister Sylvia Smith, brother Ed (Fran) Smith, grandchildren Randy (Victoria) Gundersen, Amy (Connor) Budvarson, Natalie (Spencer) Lynn, Eric (Becca) Budvarson, and great-grandson, Parker Gundersen. She was predeceased by parents Harold and Joyce and brothers Gordon and Roger Smith.
A Funeral Service will be held at King Of Kings Lutheran Church in Dickson, Alberta on Monday, January 15 at 2:00 p.m. with fellowship to follow at the Spruce View Community Hall. In honor of Darlene’s generosity and love for quilting, we invite everyone who received a quilt made by Darlene to bring it to the service for display on the pews. If you are not able to attend the Funeral Service, visit our website at heartland funeral services.com and click on the Livestream button at the right hand side of the home page just prior to 2:00 p.m. or you can go to Darlene’s page on our website the next morning to view the Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Innisfail Food Bank. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
