Darleen Akers

Darleen Akers, a longtime resident of Moorhead, MN passed away on December 25, 2012 at Sanford Medical Center Fargo, Palliative Care Unit.

Darleen Patricia Wagner was born on October 26, 1929 to Leo and Gener Wagner in Chicago, Illinois. By the young age of six weeks Darleen and family moved to Moorhead, MN. Darleen attended elementary school at St Joseph's Parochial School and graduated from Moorhead Senior High School. After high school she worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company which was where she met the love of her life, Robert Akers. They were united in marriage on August 24, 1950 and blessed with three children. In the early years of their marriage, Darleen enjoyed raising her children. She chose to become a "working mother" before it was widely accepted in today's world. This was the start of her 21 year career as Admitting Manager of Dakota Hospital in 1965.

Darleen was involved in many service organizations, among them Campfire Girls of America, American Cancer Society, Christian Mothers Association, The Fine Arts Club of Fargo - Moorhead, Catholic Daughters of America, Dakota Medical Foundation and a lifetime volunteer member of Sanford Medical Center Fargo. She also served on several committees within St Joseph's Parish throughout her lifetime.

Darleen lived a life abundant with family gathering, friends, social activities, travel, and numerous hobbies of her favorite past times; bridge was a highlight in her weekly activities. At one point, she held membership in nine bridge clubs at the same time, leaving her family to consider her the "Queen of Bridge." Darleen was also an avid traveler, having spent much of her retirement experiencing new lands and cultures. She thoroughly enjoyed her travels and favored her time spent in the country of China. Her family will forever cherish the many souvenirs that she bought back for them. When not traveling, you could often find Darleen at her lake home on Jewett Lake. Many fond memories were created at this cabin, originally built by Darleen's late husband, Robert and her father, Leo Wagner. While at home, she surrounded herself with her favorite things and collectables, including a library's worth of books, a large bell collection, family photos, and many treasures from her travels. Her family will always remember Darleen as a caring, loving, giving woman who always appreciated the smaller things in life; perhaps a fresh manicure and jewelry chosen to compliment her ensemble. She will be missed more than words can express, but we will take comfort in the many memories that we were fortunate enough to share with her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her sister, Dolores, and her parents, Leo and Gener Wagner.

Darleen will be deeply missed by her three children, Robert (Jennifer) Akers, Andover, MN, Marcia (Steve) Sjulstad, Moorhead, MN and Jayne Aukland, Fargo, ND, grandchildren, Zachary Akers and Spencer Akers, Andover, MN, Brent(Brideen) Sjulstad, Pelican Rapids, MN , BreAnne Sjulstad, Matthew Aukland, Katie Aukland and Laura Aukland, all of Fargo, ND, great grandson , Wyatt Sjulstad, Pelican Rapids, MN, and many nieces and nephews and future grandson - in - law, Jason Johnson.

Special thanks and appreciation go out to Dr. Brent Hella, Dr. Gerald Gross, Sanford Home Care and Sanford Palliative Care Unit for their unwavering care and compassion given to Darleen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Association in memory of Darleen.


Visitation: Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.

Funeral Mass: Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at 10 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead.

Burial: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.