Darlene "Dar" Annabelle (Bruske) Burns, age 79 of Owatonna, passed away March 11th, 2024, at the Owatonna Hospital with family at her side.

Dar was born July 14th, 1944, to Ernest and Ruby (Knapp) Bruske in Potsdam, Minnesota. She was the youngest of 8 children.

Dar attended grade school in the Elgin/ Plainview area, middle school at the Lutheran Parochial school in Rochester, and attended high school at John Marshall High School in Rochester graduating class of 1963.

While attending high school Dar met Walt Koester. The two were married and went on to have 3 children together: Troy, Sharrie, and James. Dar was later remarried to Jack Burns, and they went on to have 2 children together: Dennis and Daniel.

Dar was a stay-at-home mom to her children in their earlier years but later went on to work at various places throughout her life. Her most rewarding job that she took great pride in was owning/operating a boarding home for the elderly in Frost, Minnesota.

Dar had a zest for life and a deep appreciation of even the smallest things. Dar loved the outdoors and going for walks. She loved listening to music. Dar had a deep faith in the Lord and thoroughly enjoyed attending service and fellowship. But above all, Dar's deepest love was for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Dar was proceeded in death by her parents Ernest and Ruby; siblings Orville, Carroll, Loren, Lila, Elaine, Sue, and Kitty; son-in-law Darrel, granddaughter Nicole and grandson Jordan. She is survived by her children Troy (Bonnie) Koester, Sharrie Staats, James (Barb) Koester, Dennis (Sara) Burns, and Daniel (Sarah) Burns; 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel with Pastor Amy Anderson officiating. The burial will follow the service at the Elgin Cemetery in Elgin. Friends and family may visit from noon until the time of service at the funeral home on Thursday.