Darrin Keith Blanchette Sr.
December 22, 1966 – May 8, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Darrin Blanchette Sr., who died on May 8, 2025, at the age of 58.
Born on December 22, 1966 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Darrin was the child of Harold and Karen Blanchette. Darrin grew up in Howard Lake, Minnesota. He was confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake in 1981 and graduated from Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School in 1985. Darrin served in the US Army for 20 years and retired in 2005. During his time in the military, he was stationed throughout the United States and overseas in Korea. He deployed twice; once during Operation Desert Storm and once during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Darrin enjoyed fishing, cooking, watching WWE, and Minnesota sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings. Most importantly, Darrin loved being a father and grandfather.
Darrin is survived by his children, Daisy Ann (Joseph Hessing), Darrin Jr. (Ariel), and Lilyann Hope, grandchildren, Eloise, Bennett, and Leo, brother, Harold Jr. (LuAnn), grandma, Marie Longfors, several aunts, uncles and cousins, other cherished family and friends, and girlfriend, Geraldine.
Darrin was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Sr. and Karen, and several grandparents.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 4pm-7pm at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, MN. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11am at St. James in Howard Lake, MN. The burial will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on a date still to be determined.
If you are looking to honor Darrin in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Stop Soldier Suicide, which is a nonprofit whose mission meant a lot to Darrin.
Arrangements handled by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com