Darlene Carol Kvist

Darlene Carol Kvist, a Licensed Nutritionist and founder of Nutritional Weight & Wellness, died peacefully at her home in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 11, 2025. She was 87. Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Darlene will be missed by all.

Born on May 24, 1938, in Stewartville and raised in Elgin, MN, Darlene's career spanned decades of service to others. Darlene started her career as an elementary school teacher and transitioned to special education after getting her Master of Education. Later she discovered her true calling in nutrition. As a Licensed Nutritionist, she founded Nutritional Weight & Wellness over 30 years ago, building it into a thriving practice that has touched countless lives locally and around the world through counseling, seminars, the Dishing Up Nutrition radio show and podcast.

Throughout her life, Darlene cherished long-lasting friendships. She remained close with friends from elementary school, and each year looked forward to a New Year's Day gathering with her college friends, a tradition filled with laughter, memories, and connections that spanned decades. Her wide circle of friends brought her great joy, and she always made time for them.

Darlene was known for her unwavering passion, her can-do spirit, and her refusal to accept no for an answer when it came to helping people heal. Her guiding question was always, "How can we fix this, make it better, help more people?" She specialized in helping individuals with chronic pain, osteoporosis, and other complex health challenges, always putting her clients’ well-being first.

Darlene’s legacy is carried forward by a new generation of nutritionists she mentored and trained to spread her message of healing through real food nutrition. Those who worked with Darlene remember her kindness, generosity, and the wealth of knowledge she freely shared. She had a gift for making everyone feel valued and was described by many as having "a bright light" and "a beautiful spirit." Darlene was dearly loved and admired by those fortunate enough to have known her.

Darlene is survived by her son, Kory Kvist (Kathy Ng); daughter, Kristi Kvist (Mark Schiller); four cherished grandchildren, Willow, Cedar, Rowan, and Linden Kvist; and brother, Gary Goodwin (Sharon) and former husband, Gerald Kvist. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Richard and Kae Goodwin (Shirley).

Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Darlene’s life on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 10:30 – 2:00 pm with lunch served at 11:30 at the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121

Memorials preferred to: Immune Deficiency Foundation or Vasculitis Foundation