Darlene Lois Reins

Darlene Reins ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Peterson Chapel – St. Michael on Mar. 6, 2026.Darlene Lois Reins, 92 of Corcoran, MN was born on 11/3/1933 and died peacefully on 3/3/26. The number 3 was mom's number. While dementia took her memories in her final years, it never touched the love she gave and received.Darlene was born in Kerkhoven, MN to Henry and Lillie Koester. She is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Frederick, her parents, sister Margaret, granddaughter Chelsey Nielson, and sons-in-law Donald Conlin and Joseph Johnston. She is survived by her Children: Mary Margaret Johnston, Theresa (Byron) Nielson, Kerri Conlin, and Mitchell (Lori) Reins. Grandchildren: Kellie (Josh) Gode, Jared (Gretchen) Johnston, Janaya (Chris) Evenson, Kyle (Katie) Reins, Kate (Matt Anderson) Reins. Great-grandchildren Braxton, Morgan, Haley, Jalayna, Grant, Jack, Graham, Kacen, Caydence, Henry and another boy on the way.Mom and Dad became Brooklyn Park home owners in 1961. They raised their four children on Hartkopf Lane until moving to Corcoran in 1979 to fulfill their dream to own a hobby farm. They loved their Friday date nights and to polka. They also loved their place on Lake Osakis.The number of quilts mom made wasn't important, what mattered most to her was how many she could give away. By our estimate mom made close to 1,000 quilts. She made quilts for newborn babies, birthdays, graduations and gifts. She also volunteered at the church sewing group, making quilts to donate. "Darlene was usually at the sewing machine because she could sew the fastest," one of her fellow volunteers told us. She donated a large quilt annually to the Iron Warriors Chelsey Nielson Memorial Ride which was auctioned, often raising over $1,000 in honor of her granddaughter. Proceeds went to Donate Life in Chelsey's name. Mom donated quits to several other sportsmen's fundraisers as well. Quilts aside, mom's signature piece was the Quillow a lap quilt that turns into a pillow.Mom had a chef's palate and was often able to identify the ingredients from one bite of food. She loved to cook and bake. She was known for her potato salad, she claimed to have a close ratio between the number of potatoes to hard boiled eggs, her chocolate crazy cake with a cooked chocolate frosting, her buns, which were lovingly called bullets after a pan was over baked, scotcharoos, cinnamon and carmel rolls. During the holidays she introduced her children and grandchildren to making chocolate dipped candy. Mom's favorite was maple nut. She passed these loves on to many of her children and grandchildren.Mom loved the great outdoors. She always appreciated birds and listening to bird songs. She loved fishing, especially when she could sit in the boat with a fishing line over her finger, waiting to feel a fish biting. She never passed a patch of clover without looking for the four leaf variety. Her ability to find four and even a five leaf clovers was amazing to all who witnessed it.She was a kind soul who touched many lives, and we are grateful for every precious memory.The family wishes to thank the Hospice staff of North Memorial for the dignity and compassion they showed mom in her final days. A special thank you to Kate Reins. It was only with her assistance that we were able to care for both of our parents at home during the final months of their lives. All of us are so very grateful for spending so much time with our parents during these last eight months.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.