Obituary of Darlene Ann Maresch-Ostrowski

Darlene Ann Maresch-Ostrowski of Hutchinson, Minnesota passed away on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 at Harmony River Living Center at the age of 77. Darlene was born on June 23rd, 1947 in Willmar, Minnesota to Herbert and Iris (Brandt) Maresch. Darlene was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her faith on June 10th, 1962 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bird Island, Minnesota.

From the age of five years old she wanted to be a nurse and excelled at the profession her entire career. She graduated from Bird Island Public High School on May 26th, 1965. After high school, Darlene moved to Minneapolis to pursue her nursing career. She graduated from Hennepin County General Hospital School of Nursing in 1972 and was involved in multiple nursing student organizations. Darlene then received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Minnesota in 1978.

While working part time as an infirmary nurse at the Hennepin County Corrections Facility she met George Ostrowski who was a corrections officer. Darlene and George enjoyed their time together by taking road trips to South Dakota and visiting Darlene’s family in Bird Island. They were married on March 28th, 1983 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Eventually, they moved from Minneapolis and purchased rural acreage in Hutchinson, Minnesota where they built their home. Together they had two boys, Thomas and Joseph.

Darlene was employed by Hutchinson Healthcare for over twenty-five years. Throughout the course of her career she also taught college nursing courses when time allowed. She was always willing to share her in-depth knowledge and passion of nursing with new employees and colleagues. She was a frequent blood donor for the American Red Cross, and volunteered at multiple community organizations including Common Cup Ministries of Hutchinson.

When not working at the hospital or teaching Darlene kept physically active by bicycling, hiking, kayaking and swimming. The physical activity did not stop after her retirement in 2013. She enjoyed traveling to other states with friends, going on camping trips to Duluth and gardening. She highly valued her physical exercise and independence her entire life.

Darlene is survived by her sons, Thomas (Jesse) Ostrowski of Ayr, North Dakota and Joseph (Katharine) Ostrowski of Hutchinson. Step-son John (Monica) Ostrowski of Oak Grove, Minnesota. Grandchildren, Parker, Lydia, Ellen, Willa and Fritz. Step-Grandchildren, Jesse, Jeanette, Katherine and Jamie. Brother, Alan Maresch of Hector, Minnesota. Nephews Todd, Tim, Greg and niece Laurie. Many other relatives and friends that will miss her incredibly.

Darlene is preceded in death by her husband George, parents Herbert and Iris Maresch, sister-in-law Jean Maresch, half-brother Charles Brandt, step-daughter Lori Englehart, sister-in-law Mary Linder, brothers-in-law Joseph Ostrowski and Donald Ostrowski. Multiple aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Blessed be her memory always and forever.

Celebration of life gathering to be held on November 10th, 2024 with private burial ceremony at a later date. Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Minnesota – Edina Chapel.