Darlene Lois Reins

Darlene Lois Reins, 92, of Corcoran, Minnesota, was born on November 3, 1933, in Kerkhoven, Minnesota, to Henry and Lillie Koester, and died peacefully on March 3, 2026. The number three held special meaning for her, and while dementia gradually took her memories in her later years, it never diminished the love she gave and received throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frederick, her parents, her sister Margaret, her granddaughter Chelsey Nielson, and her sons-in-law Donald Conlin and Joseph Johnston. Darlene is survived by her children Mary Margaret Johnston, Theresa (Byron) Nielson, Kerri Conlin, and Mitchell (Lori) Reins; her grandchildren Kellie (Josh) Gode, Jared (Gretchen) Johnston, Janaya (Chris) Evenson, Kyle (Katie) Reins, and Kate (Matt Anderson) Reins; and her great-grandchildren Braxton, Morgan, Haley, Jalayna, Grant, Jack, Graham, Kacen, Caydence, Henry, and another boy on the way.

In 1961, Darlene and Frederick became homeowners in Brooklyn Park, where they raised their four children on Hartkopf Lane. In 1979 they moved to Corcoran to realize their dream of owning a hobby farm. They cherished their Friday date nights spent polka dancing and treasured their cabin on Lake Osakis. Darlene was a gifted quilter who made nearly 1,000 quilts, most of which she gave away to newborns, graduates, family members, and friends. She volunteered with her church sewing group, where she was known for sewing the fastest, and she donated large quilts annually to the Iron Warriors Chelsey Nielson Memorial Ride, with proceeds benefiting Donate Life in her granddaughter’s name. She also contributed quilts to other sportsmen’s fundraisers. Her signature creation was the quillow, a lap quilt that folded into a pillow.

An intuitive cook with a chef’s palate, Darlene could often identify a dish’s ingredients from a single bite. She was known for her potato salad, chocolate crazy cake with cooked frosting, buns affectionately called “bullets,” scotcharoos, cinnamon rolls, and caramel rolls. During the holidays she taught her children and grandchildren to make chocolate-dipped candies, especially maple nut. She loved the outdoors, appreciating birdsong, fishing with a line draped over her finger, and searching clover patches for four- and even five-leaf clovers. Darlene was a kind soul who touched many lives, and her family remains deeply grateful for every memory she left behind. They extend special thanks to her granddaughter Kate Reins, whose devoted assistance allowed both parents to spend their final months at home surrounded by loved ones.