Darlene Berg

Darlene Berg, age 81, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Sunday, April 27th, at Essentia Hospital in Fosston. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3rd, at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. John Ragan officiating. Interment will be in Kingo Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Friday, May 2nd, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Darlene Lennae Bergh was born on August 14, 1943, in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Harry and Olive (Haugen) Bergh. She grew up north of Gully, Minnesota on the family farm and attended Oklee public school, graduating in 1961. After high school, she attended Bemidji State University (aka, Bemidji State Teacher’s College).

Darlene was married to Doug Blasus in 1963. They lived in Bemidji while Darlene finished her teaching degree in 1965. They moved to Flint, Michigan where Darlene took her first teaching position. They returned to Bemidji in 1969 and then to Fosston where Darlene was a beloved teacher at the Magelssen Elementary School for the next 30 plus years.

Darlene was married to Jerry Berg in 1976, and they lived and raised their family in Fosston. Even after her retirement in 1995, Darlene continued on as a substitute teacher in the area. In 2018, she stepped away from teaching and volunteering to focus on attaining her Doctorate Degree. This goal was achieved as she received her Doctorate in Childhood Development in 2000 from the University of North Dakota.

Studying for her degree took her to many places and schools. She had the opportunity to go on a teacher exchange to Denmark, which she enjoyed. Though she traveled abroad teaching, her most rewarding places were found locally. She found great joy in volunteering at the Naytahwaush school on the White Earth Reservation. She dearly loved these children (and all children). She always wanted to help those that may be underserved or maybe had a harder hill to climb in life. She wanted everyone to feel included and enjoyed helping facilitate others to accomplish their dreams and to be accepted. She fought hard for the underdog.

Darlene had many interests. She enjoyed collecting dolls and was very good at repairing dolls. She was a person who doll enthusiasts turned to for repairs from all over the country. She also loved volunteering, flowers, gardening, bingo, bowling, traveling, and celebrating holidays with her family. She especially loved time that she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

Darlene passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fosston a the age of 81 years.

Survivors include two sons, Tory Blasus of Treasure Island, FL, and Shannon Blasus of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren, Kailyn Blasus, Brittany Blasus, Christian Blasus, Amber Brown (Jeremy Rhode), Dustin Brown, Trevor Brown (Kayla Alten), Cheyenne Brown (Jeffrey Lacey), and Kennedy “Ethan” Brown; great grandchildren, Carter Rhode, Cooper Lacey, Kinsley Alten, Hayes Brown, and baby Brown (due in July).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, on January 2, 2020; her parents; and son, Kieron “Duffy” Brown.