Annette Darlene Lende, the daughter of Palmer and Helma (Halvorson) Lende, was born on April 16, 1941, in Cooperstown, North Dakota. After graduating from Hannaford High School in only three years, Darlene moved to Fargo, North Dakota, and worked as a bookkeeper.
She married Richard Perske on June 16, 1962, in Fargo, and they spent the early years of their marriage in Minot, North Dakota, before returning to Fargo and then moving to South St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1970, they headed to California with their three children in tow—first to West Covina in southern California and then to Fremont in northern California—where they lived until 1980 before moving to Lathrup Village, Michigan. In 1990, they returned to southern California to live near their adult children—first in Anaheim Hills and then in Yorba Linda. Since 2018, they have called Arizona home.
Over the years, Darlene worked as a bookkeeper for several companies and then in the airline industry, first with Republic Airlines and then with Northwest. Her job titles included World Club Manager and reservation agent. In her time as a World Club Manager, she got to meet many celebrities and dignitaries, from whom she collected autographs and many fun stories which she enjoyed retelling.
Darlene was a woman of great faith in Jesus Christ. Her prayer and greatest desire was that her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends would come to know Christ as their personal Savior and live for Jesus so they all will meet again in Heaven.
Darlene is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard; son Rick (Sonja) Perske of Yorba Linda, California; son Kevin (Jessica) Perske of Peoria, Arizona; daughter Annette (Norm) Karns of Lake Forest, California; grandson Adam Karns; granddaughters Kassandra Perske, Jana Karns, Brianni Perske, Catrina Perske, Nicole Karns, and Violet Karns; siblings Darrel (Myrna) Lende, Colleen Kankelfritz, Vernon (Donna) Lende, Roland (Connie) Lende, and Karen (Roy) Simmons; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Nadine Nelson and Jan Weiand, brother Merlin Lende, as well as an infant brother and sister.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley, and especially nurse Debbie, for their care and support during Darlene’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Darlene’s honor to Hospice of the Valley or the Alzheimer’s Association.
A memorial service in her honor will happen on May 25 at 11AM at Christ Community Church, 25384 Mackenzie Street, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.
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