Darlene Beth Carlson Obit

DARLENE BETH CARLSON, aged 87, passed into eternal glory on April 9, 2026. The youngest of nine children, Darlene, née Juntunen, was born July 16, 1938, in Brainerd, MN, to Jacob and Hilma Juntunen. Darlene Carlson, a native of Brainerd, Minnesota, graduated from Washington High School in 1956. Shortly after, she relocated to Minneapolis to embark on a new chapter of her life, where she met her future husband, Gerald (Jerry) R. Carlson. Their love blossomed, leading to their marriage on March 24, 1959. Jerry and Darlene’s union endured until Jerry’s passing in 2021. In 1963, Jerry and Darlene, along with their two young sons, made the move to Santa Barbara, California. Jerry joined the Operating Engineers Union, while Darlene found employment at GTE. During their time in Santa Barbara, Darlene welcomed her third son. In 1971, she and her growing family relocated to Ojai, CA, where they settled into a home that would become their lifelong residence. Darlene continued her career at GTE, working there until her retirement in 1991. A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, she rarely missed a game, always gathering her family and friends in their “family room,” adorned with Vikings memorabilia and swag. Jerry and Darlene frequently visited their family and friends in Minnesota and reciprocated by entertaining them in their Ojai home throughout the years. Despite her petite stature, Darlene possessed an indomitable spirit and boundless energy. Her bright blue eyes always held a spark of determination. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, who passed away in 2021. Darlene is survived by her three sons: Craig Carlson (Vivian) of Ojai, Cameron Carlson (Wendy) of Ojai, and Collin Carlson (Kathy) of Los Angeles, CA, her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In honor of her life, the Carlson family is hosting a private celebration of life.