Darlene Mabel Frederickson

Darlene Mabel Frederickson passed away June 1st, 2026, at Rochester East Health Services. She was born December 31, 1941, to Harold Spading and Mabel Tillotson in Douglas, MN. She went to Pine Island School where she was in the Thespian Society, learned to write poetry and started her love of clipping newspaper articles. Darlene worked for the State Hospital in Rochester where she met Donald Frederickson, married on July 10, 1960. Darlene and Don lived in Chester, MN, often visited their cabin in Jacobson, MN where they enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and hosting parties, eventually moving into Rochester after she retired from the MN State Patrol after 41 years.

 They raised 3 children, Floyd Gregory (October 13th, 1960), Daniel Elton (August 2nd, 1961), and Sandra Ellen (1962).Darlene enjoyed corresponding with her family and friends, as well as donating to a lot of causes as she had a very generous heart. She was always an animal lover, feeding stray cats or helping wildlife and enjoyed feeding and watching birds, especially Cardinals. She took many trips to the casino for bingo with her sisters, and always found time to go to the Chinese Buffet. She loved holidays and spent a lot of time cutting out newspaper letters to decorate gift boxes or cards, often adding a poem in the card to make it even more personal, and always had a large role in the snack table, including making Jello Jigglers for many Christmases. Darlene was loved wherever she went, her mind staying sharp and sweet until the end of her life. 

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Sandra Gould (Grand Rapids, MN), son-in-law Dale Gould (Jacobson, MN), grandson Alex Gould (Anchorage, AK), and granddaughter Hannah Gould (Rochester, MN).  Funeral Services for Darlene, and her sons Daniel (who passed suddenly in November 2024), and Floyd (who passed after a brief illness in March 2025) will be held at Maxon Family Cremation & Life Celebrations in Rochester on Wednesday, July 15th from 11-2.

"A Recollection of Spring* by Darlene Spading

Now with winter coming on

I but recall the spring

For 'twas in the spring

We chanced to meet.

Then with summer far away

I but recall our love

For 'twas such a love

We shared together.

Alas! with summer nearly o'er

I but recall the day

For 'twas on that day

My fortress fell.

Now with winter almost here

I but recall the memory

For 'tis just a memory

And I am still in love!

*written for Mrs. Duffy in English #10