Darlene I. Kallis

Darlene I. Kallis, 90, Detroit Lakes, MN, died Tuesday, October 29, 2024, surrounded by family and under care of Hospice of The Red River Valley. 

Darlene Inez Auch was born May 5, 1934, in Walker township, Hettinger County in North Dakota to Edward and Inez (Elhard) Auch. She grew up in North Dakota. Darlene’s family moved almost every year, so Darlene attended many one room and small-town schools. 

In 1953, Darlene graduated from Mott Lincoln High School in Mott, ND. During high school, she worked for families doing chores and nanny work around Mott and New Leipzig. 

On June 19, 1953, Darlene was united in marriage to Walter Kallis at the Mott Baptist Church. They started their life together on a farm in Solon township in Hettinger County. In 1956, they moved to Livingston, MT and for a short while lived in California. In 1958, Darlene and Walter returned to their farm and started The Kallis Dairy and raised their three sons. 

In 1990, Walter and Darlene moved to Mott and began working for Evanson - Jensen Funeral Home. They enjoyed helping families and assisting with funerals and visitations for over 20 years, retiring in 2009. Walter passed away June 29, 2012.

Darlene was a member of the New Leipzig Baptist Church serving as a Sunday School teacher and was an active member of the Women’s Mission Society. In addition, Darlene was part of the American Legion Auxiliary, Gideon Auxiliary, and the Mott Lions Club. She also enjoyed volunteering her time at the Mott Gallery of History and Arts as well as the Good Samaritan Nursing Center. 

Darlene cherished time spent with her family. Holiday gatherings were special to her, allowing her to be surrounded by those she loved most. Her family could always count on her to bake her special dish of Kuchen. She was a talented scrapbooker, putting together many picture albums that her family will enjoy for years to come. She enjoyed traveling to different states to see family and friends, especially the trip she took to Branson, MO. Darlene lived her life for the Lord and instilled and encouraged her children to do the same. During her last days, Darlene was ready to be reunited with those she loved, especially her dear husband, Walter. 

Darlene will be remembered and missed by her three sons, Bruce (Irene) Kallis, Bismarck, ND, Perry (Linda) Kallis, Lodi, CA, and Scott (Kathryn) Kallis of Detroit Lakes, MN; grandchildren, Summer (Darren) Peterson, Mandy (Jason) Bowker, Philip (Brett) Kallis, Kathy Kallis, James (Katie) Kallis, Angela (Tim) Mangrich, Daniel Kallis, Courtney (Dustin) Sailer and Emily Stock (Andrew Long); and 19 great-grandchildren, Rebekah, TC & Savannah Peterson, Zoe & Peyton Bowker, Elizabeth, Paizley, Everly, Abby & Finley Kallis, Olive, Hazel & Laurel Kallis, Roman, Conrad & Easton Mangrich, Nash & Bodie Sailer and Eva Stock.

Brother, Delmar (Bobbie) Auch, Ripon, CA; sister, DeAnna (Roy) Rea, Manteca, CA; and brother-in-law, Merv Gray, Roseburg, OR.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter (2012) and one sister, Dorene Gray. 

A Celebration of Life for Darlene will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11AM in Community Alliance Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. Family and friends will gather one hour prior. A livestream link will be placed here on her obituary page. 

Darlene will be laid to rest by her husband, Walter, in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND on Tuesday, November 5 at 12PM. Following the graveside service, family and friends will gather at the Bismarck Baptist Church Fellowship Hall for food and sharing of memories.