Darlene Corcoran passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, losing her three year battle with cancer.
Darlene (Schroeder) Corcoran was born Sept. 9, 1947, to Arnold and Helen (Lutz) Schroeder. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Eitzen, Minn. She spent her childhood on her parents’ farm near Eitzen. In 1965, Darlene graduated from Caledonia High School and began working in La Crosse at the garment factory. In 1967, she married David Corcoran. They lived in La Crescent until 1972 when they purchased and moved to the family farm near Hokah. In addition to working the farm with David, Darlene also held various jobs throughout her life. She worked as a nursing assistant for both Caledonia Care and Rehab and Beverly Enterprises; she also worked for Northern Engraving. Eventually, Darlene began working for St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse, spending a total of 23 years as a housekeeper and general psych assistant. Because of her kind but firm ways, Darlene excelled at helping patients struggling with mental health issues. Whatever the job, Darlene was known for her compassion, hard work and dedication to patients, co-workers and employers alike.
Outside of work, Darlene enjoyed many activities. She was a fan of the La Crosse Catbirds and the theatre and volunteered as an usher with the La Crosse Community Theatre. Darlene also liked playing cards with the Eitzen Senior Citizens. Her most enjoyable activity was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren who brought her endless joy.
Darlene was known by many for her work ethic, kindness and generosity. She was a dedicated friend, neighbor, wife, mother and grandmother. She was one of those rare people who truly put others first. She is someone who always gave more to others than she expected in return. Even near the end of her life, Darlene’s words and actions proved that she was more concerned about others than for herself. One of her last requests was to thank family, neighbors, co-workers, doctors, hospital staff, friends and patients for their support throughout her life and especially during the last three years. Darlene wished to send a special thank you to all of her health care providers. She commented several times about the wonderful care she received throughout the past three years at Mayo Cancer Center. She was especially grateful for the efforts of the nurses from Gundersen Hospice, who provided the care that allowed her to remain in her home surrounded by those she loved during her final days. Darlene will be greatly missed by her friends and family.
She is survived by her husband, David; children, Mark Corcoran and Krista (Darrel) Klug; grandchildren, Ryan Corcoran, and Katelyn, Carter, and Chayce Klug; her mother, Helen Schroeder; sister, Lorraine Peterson; brothers, David (Anna) Schroeder and Gordon (Cheri) Schroeder; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arnold Schroeder; son, Kurt Corcoran; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Johnson, Maynard Peterson and Gary Corcoran.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Brownsville. A visitation will be held from 2 until 5 p.m., Sunday, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday, both at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.