Darlene “Nana” Moline peacefully entered eternal life at her home on March 2, 2021 at the age of 76. Private family services will be held. Darlene will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Prior Lake.
Darlene Mary was born on June 27, 1944 to Clement and Evelyn (Dietz) Burns in Oakland, CA. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Richfield, MN, where Darlene grew up with her two sisters and brother. After her graduation from the Academy of Holy Angels, Darlene attended the University of Minnesota and received a bachelor’s degree. After her schooling, she worked at Fraser for many years as a Special Education teacher. Later on, Darlene switched careers and helped Bruce with the family masonry business, doing the books and other various office work.
Darlene and Bruce Moline grew up just blocks from each other, but they began their romantic relationship as adults. Their love grew quickly, and on August 25, 1972 Darlene married the love of her life. They settled in Burnsville to raise their two wonderful daughters. For their 25 th wedding anniversary, Darlene and Bruce renewed their wedding vows and their marriage was blessed by the Catholic Church.
Together, Darlene and Bruce took many road trips. Starting out every trip with her famous ham salad sandwiches, they loved visited places like Gettysburg, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, and they almost always ended in Las Vegas. Darlene enjoyed playing slots in LV and also back home at Mystic Lake. She also loved the outdoors, boating, camping, and gardening in her free time.
Around 2008, Bruce survived cancer and inspired Darlene to get involved with Minnesota Oncology for many years, volunteering every Wednesday until Bruce’s passing later in life.
The most important thing in Darlene’s life was her family. Adopting the name “Nana” when she was blessed with grandchildren, Darlene absolutely adored her family. She attended every single event she could with Bruce by her side. If she would’ve been able to go to her grandkids’ sports practices, she would’ve been there. She loved each grandchild so much and made sure to spoil them rotten.
Darlene wasn’t just Nana to her grandchildren, but to all of her extended family and friends. When she met new people, she would even introduce herself saying, “I’m the Nana.” She loved to host people on her lake home in Prior Lake, particularly during the holidays. She and Bruce entertained with boating, the pontoon, and all the aspects of lake-life. Nana always made everyone feel welcome and loved.
Nana to all, Darlene will be greatly missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Brian Schlichter; grandsons, Nicholas (Miranda Herz) and Nathan Schlichter; daughter, Kristin Moline; sister, Becky (Grant) Petersen and Patsy (Rich) Gardner; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.
She will be joining her husband, Bruce, in heaven.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly served the Moline family.
