Darlene J. Barlow, 89, of Hudson, WI, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Woodland Hill Senior Living.

The family will be present to greet friends at 10 am with a funeral service at 11 am on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with a burial at the North Lake Preston Cemetery.

Darlene Joanne (Field) Barlow was born in Lake Preston, South Dakota, on August 7, 1935, to Robert Field Sr. and Gwendolyn Field.

She attended Lake Preston Country School and High School, where she participated as a cheerleader and met Arden. They were married in the fall of 1952. Their 69-year marriage was spent in various locations in the Midwest before settling in Sioux Falls. Her early jobs were at Montgomery Wards and Fenns Corporation before she made the big decision to go to Augustana College, where she earned a bachelor's degree and became a teacher. Fourth grade was her favorite and she taught at both Lincoln and Garfield Elementary Schools. She valued each of her students and cherished her 35-year teaching career. Darlene had a love for the outdoors, particularly gardening and caring for her flowers and plants. She was a good shopper, so Christmas was special and always included a bit of lefse to honor her Norwegian heritage. She treasured her time with family and friends, observing and learning from people. Darlene loved photography and had thousands of photos capturing memories of people and places.

In their retirement, she and Arden, a great team, worked on Census 2000, served as volunteers for Meals on Wheels, participated in Augustana Boosters, and enjoyed time with friends, neighbors, and their Couples Club. She always had a smile.

Darlene is survived by her only son, Douglas Barlow, and his spouse, Kristen. She is fondly remembered by her grandsons, Anthony Barlow (Ingrid), Jonathan Barlow (Emily), Gregory Barlow (Kaaren), and her eleven great-grandchildren: Elias, Espen, Bergen, Anikka, Kylie, Brooks, Quinn, Bode, Freya, Britta, and Odin Barlow. Darlene held a special affection for her living siblings, Kathryn Koch (LeRoy), Dorothy Nelson, and Robert Field (Paulette).

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arden, parents Bob and Gwendolyn, sister, Barbara Carlson and brother-in-laws, Bill Nelson and Dale Carlson.