Darlene Marlys Zabel

Darlene Marlys Zabel was born on May 19, 1942, in Long Prairie, Minnesota to Erven and Helen (Girard) Zabel.  She graduated from Osakis High School in 1960.  Darlene moved to the cities where she worked in social services for a few years.

Darlene married Rolland Neumann Jr. on September 5, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Osakis.  The couple was blessed with three children, David, Dawn and Darcy. For many years Darlene was a stay at home mom and able to spend her time raising her children. In 1985, she moved back to Osakis with the children. She occasionally filled in at the floral shop in downtown Osakis. 

Darlene later met the love of her life Mel Lamar.  The couple started bands called the “D&M Band” and “Country Roads”. She loved music and singing.  Darlene loved being with her family and animals, especially her kitty cat, Noodles. She loved all animals, especially horses. She also enjoyed traveling to the Black Hills, Lake Superior, or anywhere out West. She took many vacations with her family. She also enjoyed reading, and photography.  She loved taking pictures of nature, horses, wildlife and old barns.

Darlene died at the age of 81 on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Diamond Willow in Alexandria, following a long fight with Alzheimer’s. She is survived by her children, David (Heidi) Neumann; Dawn (Jim) Miller of Sauk Centre; and Darcy (Jeff) Giesler of Osakis; grandchildren, Natasha (Ethan) Koenen, Alex Marthaler, Aiden Miller, and Evan and Emma Giesler.  Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Erven and Helen; life partner, Mel Lamar; and many aunts and uncles.

Her family will miss her deeply, everyday and always.

A private family interment will be held at a later date at Lakeside Cemetery in Osakis.