Darlene "Dar" A. Kutzer

Darlene Kutzer, 90, of Fairmount, North Dakota, passed away Monday, January 15, 2024, at Park Gardens Assisted Living in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.  Her memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton, North Dakota.  There will be a visitation one hour prior.  Msgr. Brian Donahue will be officiating the service.  Burial will be at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Darlene Adeline Thiel was born on July 1, 1933, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, to Clarence and Adeline (Clausen) Thiel.  She attended school in Campbell, MN, graduating in 1951.

On February 21, 1952, Darlene married Clarence “Sonnie” Kutzer in Fairmount, North Dakota where they made their home on the farm and were blessed with four children – Kevin, Karen, Kitti, and Kyle.  Darlene loved traveling and camping.  After retirement from farming, she and Sonnie drove cross-country in their motorhome each fall to winter in Arizona and spent many summer weekends enjoying area campgrounds.

Darlene was happiest entertaining, and never let a guest go hungry or thirsty.  She was involved in many community projects through the years.

Darlene was also well-known for her love of porcelain china painting. She gifted and sold many pieces of her beautiful artwork over the last 45 years.  She painted at home, on the road, and even continued painting smaller pieces with her compact kiln in her apartment at Park Gardens.   

Her last few years, she greatly enjoyed companionship from her cat, Henry, and visits from friends and family.  She will be remembered for her laughter and love of life, which she truly did live to the fullest.

Darlene is survived by her children, Kevin (Diane) Kutzer, Kitti (Randy) Weiss, Kyle (Carolyn) Kutzer, son-in-law, Bob Stein; grandchildren, Corey (Danielle) Kutzer, Tracy (Mike) Nicholson, Christopher (Tara) Kutzer, Britta (Jan) Aretz, Erin (Rex) Dahl, Rob (Autumn) Stein, Mike (Kathryn) Tidd, Michelle (Dan) O’Day, Lindy (Tyler) Currie, Austin (Liz) Kutzer; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Luke and Keaton Kutzer, Elle and Quinton Nicholson, Cayden and Tate Kutzer, Lisa and Flynn Aretz, Alexander, Andreas, and Georgia Dahl, Ada Stein, Cooper and Elliott Tidd, James and Otto O’Day, Mesa and Cruz Currie, and Carter Kutzer; niece, Danielle (Andy) Ward; and many other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Adeline; husband, Sonnie; daughter, Karen Stein; and her sister, Sandra Thiel.