Darleen Joyce Cole

About Darleen

Darlene Joyce (Prairie) Cole was born on July 8, 1935, in Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, to Glenn and Marie (Hayes) Prairie. Darleen grew up with her family on the farm and later in Cottonwood. She graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1952.

On July 26, 1952, she was united in marriage to James “Jim” Cole. They were the parents of Deb, Laurie, Becky, Barbie and Jeff. Darleen worked for the Cottonwood Public Schools as a Secretary for the Superintendent for 46 years, retiring in 2015.

She enjoyed knitting, sewing and embroidery. Darleen enjoyed country music and was a wonderful cook. She was most passionate about her family and looked forward to family gatherings.

After a battle with dementia, Darleen died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, under the hospice care and surrounded by family at her residence in Cottonwood.

She is survived by her daughters Deb (Roger) Breyfogle of Cottonwood, Laurie (Myron) Kuper of Brandon, SD, Becky (Doug) Kerkvliet of Custer, SD, Barbie (Josh) Cole-Deutz of Cottonwood, eight grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, four great great-grandchildren (and one on the way,) siblings Duane (Anita) Prairie of Minneapolis, Les (Kelly) Prairie of Ormond Beach, FL, Greg (Linda) Prairie of La Crosse, WI, brother-in-law Herman Bahn of Wood Lake, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim Cole, son Jeff Cole and sister Corrine Bahn.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Darleen

February 1, 2025

Christ Lutheran Church 126 Front St, Cottonwood, MN 56229, USA

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service; 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at Christ Lutheran Cemetery. A recording of the service will be available at www.horvathfuneralservice.com.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Horvath Funeral Service