Darlene Ascheman

Darlene lived most of her life in White Bear.

Early years were spent living on Bald Eagle Lake, water skiing for the Bald Eagle Ski team, riverboating on the St Croix River, & fishing on the pontoon.

In 1969, she met the love of her life, Jim, while working at Econ Lab. Jim & Darlene sent many letters back and forth while Jim was serving in the Navy.

For four years, she was a Flight attendant for North Central Airlines. Proud to say that they served a hot meal on every flight, even the 45 min long flights. Her favorite part was visiting with the passengers.

Shortly after he returned from the Navy, they married and had 5 Favorite kids. She was so proud of her family and how everyone found their own path. The addition of 4 Favorite daughter-in-laws, 15 Favorite grandchildren, and 1 favorite great grandchild really warmed her heart.

Jim & Darlene loved to dance, boating on the lake, play cards, putting together puzzles, and simply spending time together. They have had 53 incredibly blessed years making memories together. T.O.F. (To Our Future) was a common phase they shared as a reminder of their Love and Commitment together.

Along with being a stay-at-home mom, she was the office coordinator for the family business, A-men Construction, and subbed as a para professional at the WBL schools. Darlene and Jim worked side by side in the office, on the job site, or working around the house.

Her faith was strong and she lived it every day. She looked for the blessings in her daily life, even when things got tough. Many of her life-long friends are ones that she met through church. She always made time, opened her home, and gave a hug to anyone who asked (or even if they did not ask).

Living on the lake and cruising around on the pontoon with friends and family was her happy place. She enjoyed the lake community picnics, parties, charity events, and clubs. She Volunteered at church, as an election judge, and to be the neighborhood crime watch captain. Socially she joined the Bald Eagle Lake Women Club, Bald Eagle Yacht Club, Children's Hospital Guild, and Bunco night with friends.

She was a community connector. She often knew who was related to who. To no surprise as a Vadnais, she was related to half of White Bear too! She loved to socialize with her friends and give back to the community. Always thinking of who needed this or that and how she could help. She touched so many lives and loved caring for everyone.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents Robert "Bob" and Margueritte "Marg" Parker of White Bear Lake, MN.

Darlene is survived by husband of 53 years, Jim; children Eric (Devin), Ryan (Molly), Cory (Charlotte), Dena, & Tony (Amy); 15 grandchildren; 1 great grandson; siblings Barbara Jorgensen (Bruce), Jacque Parker (Gina) & Robert Parker (Cindy Petersen) and much extended family & many friends.

Darlene was born on December 25, 1949 and passed away on March 5, 2025 (Age 75) after a quick and aggressive battle with oral cancer. She passed away peacefully with family by her side. Thank You to Beyond Hospice for making her comfortable and supporting our family through the process.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00 AM at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake.

Visitation Monday, March 17th from 4-7:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake and one hour before the Mass at church on Tuesday.

Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery on March 19th.

In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward.