To view a livestream of the service go to https://bethanylutheranchurch58701.com/livestream/
To view the flowers from Darlene’s service, click here: Darlene Harstad Flowers
Darlene Harstad, 89, Minot, died Tuesday, September 5, 2023, in a Minot assisted living center.
Darlene was born January 31, 1934, in Minot, ND to Frank and Grace (Huddleson) Boutilier. She grew up and was educated in Norwich through fourth grade, moved with her family to Brinsmade for a year and spent the remaining years of her youth in the community of Sawyer, ND. She graduated from Sawyer High School in 1951.
Darlene was employed for a short time at Ellison’s Department Store until starting in the office of the Ward County Treasurer in 1951. She held that office position until 1959, pausing her career to fulfill her role as a mother.
Darlene was united in marriage to Arden Harstad on July 1, 1956, in Minot where they would make their home. This union was blessed with three children and 50 years of marriage.
Darlene went back to the Ward County Courthouse in 1973. She worked in the auditor’s office for the next twenty-two years, retiring in 1995 as Deputy County Auditor.
Darlene was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and the Red Hat Ladies, both of Minot. She enjoyed traveling and valued warm winters spent in Apache Wells, AZ with the love of her life, Arden, who passed away in 2006. Darlene kept her hands busy crocheting and knitting and filled the rest of her time reading a good book or at the piano, playing her favorites by heart.
She became a resident of Edgewood in 2018, moving to Cookie’s Cottage in 2021.
Darlene will be remembered for the deep love of her family and the happiness she carried her entire life.
Darlene is survived by her children Lila Harstad, Rugby, ND, Ross Harstad and Deon (Joe) Mehring, both of Minot, ND; grandchildren Allison and Arron Brossart, Mason Harstad, Travis and Taner Nelson; great-grandchildren Miles, Charlie, Oliver, Bradyon and Sophie Nelson; brother Frank Boutilier, Rifle, CO; sister-in-law Beverly Berg, Bismarck, ND; brother-in-law Arnie (Nancy) Harstad, Spearfish, SD along with several nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arden and an infant brother Donald.
Service to Honor Darlene Harstad: 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2023 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service go to https://bethanylutheranchurch58701.com/livestream/
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Visitation: Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Rosehill Cemetery of Norwich, ND.
