Obituary of Darlene A. Stensby

Darlene A. Stensby. A ray of light was born on May 21, 1942. Her name was Darlene Auger. Over the next 75 years, her light grew increasingly brighter and lit-up every room she entered and every conversation she engaged. From her days as a young girl through her final moments this side of heaven, family, friendships, and ministry were her joy and fulfillment. She loved growing up in Minneapolis with her parents, Reuben and Elaine, and her younger brothers, Gary and Terry. It was during those early years that a persistent paper boy named Kenny wooed his way into her heart. After dating through high school and college (Gustavus for her, Carleton for him), Darlene and Ken married and remained soulmates even after Ken's death in May 2013 in a hiking accident at Yosemite National Park. Along the way, they raised three daughters (Robin, Heidi, and Angel), with whom they created memories to treasure for many lifetimes. And when Heidi and Angel found their own soulmates, Darlene led the family in showering Sooze and Todd with love. Though humble and unassuming, Darlene was a trailblazer in ministry entering and graduating from seminary in the early '80s, when most ministers were male. Her beloved parishioners, Shakopee Prison insiders, and chaplaincy residents will tell you there was never a better pastor, male or female. Her bright light connected her with people in deep and permanent ways. She brought style and grace to her work endearingly reflected in her ever-present pink lipstick. In her later years, she would be the first to tell you that her MOST favorite activity was spending time with her six grandkids (Maddie, Zac, Kyle, Nick, Patch, and Finn). After getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer just four months ago and realizing that treatment was unsuccessful, Darlene was saddest about not being alive to see her grandkids grow fully into their lives. On October 3rd, she walked her closest family women to the threshold of heaven and crossed it at precisely her eternal time leaving those women saddened at her bedside, but elated for her joyful heavenly reunion with Ken and Robin and a host of other family and dear friends. Darlene's memorial service will occur on Thursday, October 12th at 1:00pm at Colonial Church (6200 Colonial Way; Edina, MN; 55436). All are invited to celebrate this incomparable ray of light whose radiance will continue through all who knew her. Family will greet guests before the service at 11:30, and again afterward. Refreshments will be served after the service. Darlene's family will gather for a private interment at Lakewood Cemetery Thursday morning at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Darlene's memory to: NC Little Hospice (Edina, MN), Second Harvest Heartland food bank (Mpls/St. Paul), or MOCA/Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (Mpls).