Darlene Kay Nelson

Darlene Kay Nelson, age 76, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, in St. Peter, Minnesota. She was born on November 8, 1949, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Norman and Audrey Bachmeyer. Darlene graduated from Mankato High School in 1967 and later attended cosmetology school in Alexandria, Louisiana.

She was a loving wife to her husband, Daniel Nelson of 57 years, and together they spent four years while Dan served in the United States Air Force, living in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Darlene spent 23 years of her career as a sales clerk at Mary Lue’s Yarn Shop in St. Peter, a position that allowed her to share her friendly nature and love of crafting with others. Earlier in her working years, she worked as a waitress and hairstylist, as well as a homemaker and later a St. Peter Transit driver.

Faith was also an important part of Darlene's life. She was a committed member of Salem Lutheran Church in Eagle Lake for 26 years before becoming a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato in 2000. She also spent two years as a Sunday school teacher and always had a special fondness for children.

Darlene enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, square dancing, knitting, crocheting, and weaving. She was also a dedicated blood donor through the American Red Cross.

Darlene had a well-known love of dark chocolate. She especially enjoyed having a piece of dark chocolate after every meal, and those who knew her best will likely always think of her whenever they see her favorite sweet. Darlene also loved baking and was particularly fond of making Rice Krispie bars with chocolate chips.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Benedictine Living Community for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Darlene throughout her time there, particularly as she lived with Alzheimer's disease.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Daniel; children, Daniel “Joe” Nelson (Amy), Denise Aspelund (Alan), and Dalaina Sandland (Travis); sisters, Roxanne Guenther and Tammy Walania; grandchildren, Lucas (Nicole), Tommy, David (Alysha), Coralie (Dillon), Danielle, Ryan, and Jaxen; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her parents, Norman and Audrey Bachmeyer; twin sister, Donna Johhnson; brother-in-laws, Alan Johnson, John Walania, and Gary Guenther; sister-in-law, Carmen Nelson; Nephew, Rusty Guenter; grandson, Dustin Nelson; and her beloved dog, Daisy.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A lunch will be served following the service

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be directed to Benedictine Living Community in appreciation of the care Darlene received, or to the Alzheimer's Association in support of those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Darlene will be remembered for her warm heart, her creativity, her generosity, her love of dark chocolate, and the joy she found in her family and friends. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to be cherished by all who knew and loved her.