Darleen Marion (Buer) Hovey

passed away on November 24th 2020, three weeks after testing positive for Covid-19. She was born October 18, 1927 in Atwater, Minnesota to Helge and Carrie Buer.  Darleen was the youngest of thirteen children born into a loving Norwegian family. She met the love of her life in confirmation class and married Lloyd B Hovey, a fun-loving Swede on August 20, 1950.  They had 50 wonderful years together when her husband preceded her in death in 2010.  Darleen was also proceeded in death by daughter Jodi in 2019 and son-in-law James Baller in 2010.

Darleen was the first one in her family to attend college, thanks to the generosity of her older brothers. She attended St. Cloud College and taught 2 years in Glenwood Minnesota before settling in Atwater where she taught for over 36 years and substitute taught for a decade more.  She was first on the call list.

Darleen was a passionate teacher and had the ability to provide the right combination of love and discipline to her students.

Darleen loved her community and church where she was actively involved in many clubs and church organizations. Her life reflected her strong faith and was a living example of Ephesians 4.32 “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Along with her husband and other committed residents they worked hard to develop the Atwater Block Nurse Program now known as at the Atwater Area Help for Seniors.  Later in life that service supported Darleen and allowed her to remain in her home and community for as long as possible.

Darleen loved her large family and community of friends.  She was known as a wonderful entertainer, cook and baker! She had 38 sisters, brothers and in-laws along with 64 nieces and nephews!  Many of those were her students. Darleen doted on her immediate family, always making sure there was cookie dough in the refrigerator, and fresh home-made bread.   On the holidays she often had each family members’ favorite dish and dessert made especially for them.  There was love in everything she did.

Darleen is survived by daughter Charleen Hovey Baller, her son Brian Hovey and wife Lisa; 10 grandchildren, Jakob and wife Jill, Nathan and girlfriend Crystal, Nick and wife Belma, Joshua and fiancé Breanna, Brooks and wife Heidi, Creagen, Courtney and fiancé Dawn, Erin and boyfriend Luke, Jennifer and husband Shaun, and Alexandra: plus 10 greatgrandchildren.  All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Thank you to many who supported Darleen in her later years including Compassionate Care, Bethesda Day Break, Brookdale, Willmar, Sunnyview Atwater, and Trails of Orono.  In her last days of life we appreciate the guidance of Methodist hospice and nurse Steven whose loving care was felt by mom and family!

Due to the current situation with the pandemic, no memorial service or celebration of life is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones and friends in the future when a service is scheduled.   Memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Atwater MNwww.immanuelatwater.com or the Atwater Area Help for Seniors in Atwater. https://www.atwaterareahelpforseniors.com/home

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