Visitation for Darlene will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls.

Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Redwood Falls Cemetery.  The Redwood Valley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent at www.redwoodvalleyfuneralhome.com.

Darlene Thorpe was born July 23, 1944 in Willmar, MN the only child of Elmer & Helene (Muetzel) Thorpe.  Darlene’s father died in WWII before she was born.  At seven months old, she and her mother moved to Belview to live with her grandparents. In February 1948, Darlene was taken to live at the Faribault State Hospital.  On July 11, 1988 she entered the Park Avenue home in Faribault.  While she was there, Darlene worked as an assembler at Courage Training Center in Faribault.  December 17, 2001, Darlene moved to Eastwood Home in Redwood Falls where she has resided since.  Darlene worked at SEI since 2001.  Her favorite memories from SEI include her favorite song of “Going to the Chapel” and her saying “Honey, you have such pretty hair.”  Darlene loved to sing when she was happy.  At Eastwood Home, Darlene enjoyed being involved with activities and visiting with staff.  At times, you could find Darlene relaxing in her recliner, petting the cat.  She always liked having items in her hands, from stuffed animals, buttons, clothing, or any textured item.  She always had a smile on her face and no matter who was talking to her, she always answered, “yup, yup”.  Darlene had a fun personality and truly will be missed by all her peers and many caregivers.  Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is now our guardian angel.