Celebrating the Life of Darlene Mae Huston
Darlene Mae Huston (Peterson), born January 7, 1947, in Thief River Falls, MN, met her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face on April 25, 2025, at 6:15 a.m. She was cared for at her home in Rochester, MN, surrounded by her loving family.
Darlene married Blane Huston, the love of her life, on July 13, 1968. They were happily married for nearly 57 years. Darlene and Blane met at North Central University, where they studied and prepared for ministry. She enjoyed being the pianist for the college chorale, the Evangelaires.
Darlene found great joy in partnering with her husband in ministry. They traveled as children’s evangelists, led statewide youth ministry and summer camps, pastored churches, and opened their hearts and homes to many. She served as an administrative assistant in various churches and worked with the music departments, sharing her gift as a pianist. Darlene taught piano lessons for many years, holding wonderful Christmas piano recitals during her favorite time of year.
Darlene’s family meant everything to her. Her three daughters considered her more than a mom; she was their friend and confidant. Though she had only daughters, she had eight grandsons who were her pride and joy. Each grandson and their spouses held a special place in her heart with their unique talents, gifts, and personalities. Recently, Darlene learned that a great-granddaughter would join the family in June 2025, bringing her immense joy.
Darlene faced a cancer diagnosis with strength and dignity. She found her strength in Jesus alone and believed that every word of the Bible is true. She dedicated her life to quietly introducing others to the Lord. She prayed daily for her children and grandchildren, adding to her prayer list as the family grew.
Darlene Huston is survived by her husband, Blane; her three daughters and their families: Renee Meinholz (Dwight) and her sons, Austin Meinholz (Alexander), Taylor Meinholz (Becca), and Noah Meinholz (Sarah); Ranelle Huston (Nick Klietz) and her sons, Brody Brown and Gibson Brown; Rachelle Bernard (Bob III) and her sons, Robert “Pauley” Bernard IV, Payton Bernard, and Jackson Bernard. She was a loving sister to Ruby Ohnstad (Arnie), Phyllis Fitzlaff (Ernie), and Ordean Peterson (Marlene). She also loved being a part of the Huston-Johnson family.
Darlene’s life will be celebrated at Rochester Assembly in Rochester, MN, on Thursday, May 1st 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.
Such a special special woman and person…a spiritual leader, filled with compassion, kindness, wisdom. Always a smile, always an encourager. A gift to the body of Christ here on our earthly journeys. She will be missed, but for those whose hope is Jesus, her smile will one day be seen again and throughout eternal ages.
We thank God for her…and take comfort in knowing she rests in the arms of our Lord.
Our condolences to all family, close friends at this time of reflection, mourning or for some a celebration of her race well run. It was our honor to have known her oh, so long ago. Peace..
Larry and Debbie
Cousin Darlene was a truly remarkable woman. My sincere sympathy, Blane and family. What a blessed promise that we will see her again one day!
Darlene, Karen Myhrer (Etheridge) and I shared a dorm room my first summer at North Central. We also had a trio together. Karen passed away recently and now Darlene. Will miss them both.
We have been so blessed the last 21 years to have Grandma Darlene as a part of our family! She walked in dignity and strength. We so appreciate all of the love that she shared with us over the years! Prayers of comfort for our dear family that remains and will greatly miss her. Biggest hugs from across the miles.
We have been so blessed to consider Grandma Darlene part of our family for the past 21 years. She walked in dignity and strength. Continued prayers for our dear family that will miss her so much! Biggest hugs and continued prayers from your Pennsylvania family.
With sincere thoughts and prayers for your family at this time. May God be with you in a very special way. Darlene was a very loving and caring person. It was our honor to know her. God is our refuge.
Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you Pastor Blane and all the family.
Darlene was such a sweet lady and a true woman of God. Many cherished memories of Isreal.
I remember Darlene as a fellow student at North Central Bible College back in the 60s. I remember the fall after she and Blane were married, as Rich and I were married six months before them. We shared that bond my last year at school – married students still in college. I knew the Lord would use them greatly in His kingdom work. She is now standing in awe at the glories of Heaven and is greeting people all over that she knew on earth. She is so excited and so healthy and so young. She can’t wait for all of us to join her.
We are praying for comfort, peace and strength for Blane and the family. Darlene will be greatly missed! We have good memories of her! We rejoice, however that she is well and in the presence of our Lord.
We love you all.
Morris & Jackie Conklin
A beautifully written tribute to my dear cousin, Darlene. Your family will have many good memories of your wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
My heart goes out to Blain and the entire family! Though Darlene will be greatly missed, the scripture of Phil 1:21, “to live is Christ, to die is gain”… Darlene is now enjoying what it is to truly gain in Christ!!!
Beautiful life. Lots of memories with Darlene growing up. Praying for the family. May time and memories comfort your hearts.
Though I have spoken to Darlene only a few times, loved her sweet nature and smiles .
She is with our Lord Jesus and that makes me rejoice . Prayers for Gods comfort and strength for family
Sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing. What a special lady. Lots of memories from far ago. Praying for Pastor Blane and your entire family. She will be greatly missed.
Dan & Joan Rudolph
Although we had not seen Darlene for many years, we have many memories of our years of friendship and times shared together. We are sad for her loss on this earth but hope to see her very soon. The rapture can’t be far away can it?
Darlene was such a beautiful lady with a loving and compassionate heart.
Blane and family, so sorry to hear about Darlene. What a kind, loving and giving lady. She is leaving a great legacy for her family on how to live a life looking forward to eternity in heaven. May the many memories bring joy and comfort for the days ahead. The Lord bless you and keep you. Our deepest sympathies.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, Renee. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Family: I have been thinking about all of you as you grieve the loss of your dear wife, mother & grandmother. She was a beautiful woman inside & out and she will always be remembered for that. I appreciated reading the wonderful obituary that honored her life here on earth. May God hold all of you close in the days ahead.
Blessings, Carol (Peterson) DeLap, Darlene’s cousin, Thief River Falls, MN