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Darlene Mae Armstrong, 92, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
A private memorial service will take place at a later date, followed by interment in Storm Lake Cemetery.
Darlene was born Oct. 12, 1933, to Fred and Clara Lullmann. She grew up on their family farm and was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, where she also attended grade school. She graduated from Truesdale High School in 1951.
On April 2, 1952, she was united in marriage to Robert Dean Armstrong.
They were blessed with six daughters: Cindera Lou, Debra Kay (deceased in infancy), Pamela Sue, Joni Lynn, Lori Ann and Diane Louise (deceased in infancy).
Darlene became the heart and soul of the Armstrong farm alongside her husband. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, faith and deep affection for the land and each other. After 57 years of marriage, Robert preceded her in death in 2009, but their love story continued to live on through the family they cherished.
Darlene was a devoted mother to her four daughters, pouring her heart into raising them with strength, kindness,and Midwestern values. She took tremendous joy in her role as grandmother and great-grandmother, always ready with a warm hug, a listening ear and a plate of homemade goodies. Her family was her greatest pride and the center of her world.
She had a special love for mowing the lawn, and for her flower gardens, spending countless happy hours tending to her acreage. Her gardens were a reflection of her own spirit — vibrant, resilient and full of beauty. Whether it was watching the seasons change across the Iowa fields or simply sitting on the glider enjoying a quiet moment, Darlene loved life and found joy in the everyday blessings around her.
She will be remembered as a gentle, gracious woman whose quiet strength and loving presence touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Darlene lived a full and beautiful life leaving behind a legacy of love and faith that will continue to bloom in the hearts of her family for generations to come.
She is survived by her four daughters: Cindy Wenell of Independence, Minn.; Pam (Terry) Dix of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Joni (Tom) Aronson of Albert City; Lori (Mark) Nehring of Alta; her grandchildren: Heidi (Brent) Foster of Rockford, Minn.; Jennifer (Jason) Billman of Lithia, Fla.; Jason (Teresa) Wenell of Independence, Minn.; Matt (Bethany) Wenell of Plymouth, Minn.; Michael Dix of Irvine, Calif.; Amanda (Elliot) Nielsen of Omaha, Neb.; Clayton (Megan) Aronson of Prole; Joe (Victoria) Aronson of Coralville; Sara (Ben) Eldridge of Paullina; Katelyn (Bear) Chanchom of Storm Lake; Lacey (Jon) Robson of Mound, Minn.; 29 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her two infant daughters, son-in-law Don Wenell and parents, Fred and Clara Lullmann; Elmer and Max Lullmann, Ruth and Bob Strock, Dorothy and Jim Anderson, Merlyn and Esther Armstrong, Wayne Armstrong, father-and-mother-in-law Orville Clinton and Leora Armstrong, and other loved ones.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who shared in Darlene’s life and offered comfort and prayers during this difficult time. We would like to offer special thanks to the St. Croix Hospice team members who treated her (and her family) with such loving care as if she was their own. She will be deeply missed, but forever remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.
