Darla went to be with the Lord and reunite with her lifelong love, Gerald, on November 5, 2026, in Montrose, Minnesota.
Darla was born on December 18, 1941, to Chester and Leora Clausen in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the second of
six children. Later in life, the family moved to St. James, Minnesota. It was there that Darla met the love of
her life, Gerald Kriesch. They were married on October 22, 1960, beginning a beautiful love story that
would span more than 64 years.
During the early years of their marriage, Darla and Gerald traveled from job site to job site as Gerald built grain elevators. Eventually, they settled in Howard Lake, Minnesota, in 1963, where they made their home until Geralds passing in April 2025.
Darla and Gerald loved to dance, listen to old-time music, and, most of all, spend time together with family and friends.
Traveling was another joy they shared. Their adventures ranged from trips to Wisconsin just to enjoy cheese curds and apples, to family vacations in Branson, Missouri, and special trips with their grandchildren.
Darla also had a love for cooking, baking, and canning. Some of the sweetest memories were made when children and grandchildren came to visit. They would enjoy a home-cooked meal of their choice and
never leave empty-handed. Grandma always made sure they went home with jars of her homemade jelly, sugar cookies, and whatever other goodies she had been busy baking. Those little gestures were just one of the many ways Darla showed her love for her family.
Darla is survived by her three children: Troy (Cheryl) Kriesch of Buffalo, Minnesota; Gerald Jr. (Jodi) Kriesch of Abilene, Kansas; and Lori (Francis) Wilhelm of Montrose, Minnesota. She is also survived by
her bonus son, Jeffrey Erickson of Howard Lake, Minnesota.
She is further survived by her brothers, Lynn Clausen of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kelly (Trudy) Clausen of Carmel, Indiana; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Darla was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald; her parents, Chester and Leora; three siblings; and Gerald’s parents and siblings.
In keeping with Darla’s wishes, the family will gather privately to celebrate her life, followed by a private inurnment.
Though Darla and Gerald are no longer with us, their love story continues in the family they built, the memories they created, and the generations who will carry their love forward.
In lieu of flowers or cards, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Darlas memory to:
Ridgeview Hospice
501 S. Maple Street, Suite 1
Waconia, MN 55387
Thank you for your kindness, love, and support.
Arrangements for Darla have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401. www.swansonpeterson.com