Darlene Ann Dixon (Reich)

Age 89, passed away on July 22, 2025 at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis, MN during a heart procedure.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman & Viola Reich; father-in-law, Robert Dixon; mother-in-law, Alma Dixon; her husband, Robert E. Dixon Jr. (Buddy); daughter, Melodie Dixon; grandson, Jay Lubinski; great-grandson, Shepherd Westad; her brother, Billy Reich; sister, Lucille Nottingham; and many other relatives and friends.

She is survived by her children, Michele Frederick, Mary (Mike) Lubinski, Mark Dixon; grandchildren, Ashley Krecklau, Ross (Hannah) Lubinski, Tia (Trevor) Westad; great-grandchildren, Kashton Krecklau, Liam Lubinski, Hudson Westad, Lany Westad, Logan Lubinski, Zara Westad; and other relatives and friends.

Darlene was born on July 2, 1936.  She grew up on a farm in Greenfield, MN.  She lived with her parents, siblings and grandmother Augusta Reich. She was baptized & confirmed in faith at Salem Lutheran church. She graduated from Buffalo High School in 1955. She married Robert Dixon Jr. on June 16, 1956 and lived in Hanover, MN. In 1961 they built a new home on the Crow River in Hanover. Darlene lived there until December 2022 when she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law in Rush City, MN.

Darlene was a stay-at-home mother while the kids were young, and enjoyed to cook and bake. She loved to try new recipes and her husband Buddy loved being the taste tester. The Christmas season for Darlene was very busy because she held a bake sale for many years. She would bake over 100 dozen cookies & treats to sell.  She also enjoyed sharing baked items with many people. Over the years, Darlene published seven different cook books. Another one of Darlene’s hobbies was painting, especially taking painting classes with friends.

Darlene worked many different jobs over the years.  She cleaned houses, worked at Tom Thumb, Dehmer Meats, Ericksons Super Value. She did a 30-minute program at KRWC radio sharing recipes and household tips. Her last job was a feature writer for Wright County Journal Press in Buffalo, MN, for 30 years, sharing recipes and household tips.

Darlene loved life. She had a strong faith and love for her Savior Jesus Christ. She was looking forward to seeing Jesus in Heaven. She was a member of Maranatha Church since moving to Rush City.  She had a loving friendship with her family, seven cousins and her many wonderful friends. Including her new friends at The Rushseba Assisted Living Facility in Rush City where she lived since February 2025.

Darlene’s life will be celebrated with a service at 2 PM Tuesday, July 29^th with visitation beginning at 1 PM at Maranatha Assembly of God, 24799 Forest Blvd N, Forest Lake. The service will be livestreamed.