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Darlene Finck, 90, of Rapid City, SD, formerly of Reeder, ND entered into the embrace of the Lord in Rapid City, Saturday morning, May 17th, 2025.

Service of Remembrance will be Friday, May 23rd, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hettinger Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Lutheran Church.  Barb West to officiate and the burial to follow at the Hettinger Cemetery.

Darlene was born on August 14th, 1934, in Reeder, North Dakota where she was the 6th of 10 children born to Gottlieb and Pauline (Oberlander) Schwartz.

Darlene married Alton Finck on August 15th, 1950, in Reeder, North Dakota and together they took over Alton's family farm.  Alton and Darlene lived on the farm for 54 years where they raised 5 children (Brenda, Bonita, Lorrie, Tim and Eltonjon).  One of their most cherished accomplishments was being named the South Dakota FHA Farm Family of the Year in 1971.  In 2004, Alton and Darlene moved to Dickinson, North Dakota where they lived for 6 years enjoying the company of nearby relatives.  Alton and Darlene followed their heart and moved back to South Dakota in 2010 to be closer to their children, residing in Watertown then relocating to Rapid City in 2013.

Darlene was known a hard worker and was as tough as they come.  She worked side-by-side with Alton on the farm, raising pail calves, bum lambs, chickens, working in the fields, fencing, and picking rocks; all while taking care of kids and grandkids.  Darlene continued, even at 90 years old, fencing and working on the farm beside her son Eltonjon.  She was an avid gardener, still mowing her lawn, constantly pulling weeds and insisting on shoveling her own snow.  Darlene had a knack for cleaning and always made sure everyone was well-fed, making delicious German foods like pajenta, steedum, strudels and amazing homemade desserts for every meal.

Darlene was the nicest person you could ever meet, she always had a kind word, a big smile, a welcoming heart, while always putting others before herself.  She enjoyed social interaction, often chatting up strangers, giving compliments and always eager to listen to anyone who was willing to share a story.  People were quick to realize she was genuine and wholesome.  She loved playing cards at family gatherings, especially Shanghai Rummy where she would often emerge as the winner.  Her most famous saying while playing cards was "I NEED that!" to any card anyone else wanted to pick up, followed by a grin and a laugh.

Darlene was an accomplished seamstress and was known for making quilts for all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a few pets.  Her quilts will always be cherished knowing they were made with love while providing comfort and warmth that only a handmade quilt can provide.  She was also a very talented artist painting pictures which she loved to give as gifts.

Darlene was a deeply religious person and was a faithful follower of Christ.  She enjoyed attending church in person; as she grew older, she continued watching services on TV.  Her faith was the core foundation of how she lived her life.

Above all else, Darlene unconditionally loved her family; always attending as many events as she could over the years.  She was extremely proud of her 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Brenda (Randy) Honeyman, (Niceville, Florida); grandson Brandon (Lindsey) Honeyman, (Thomasville, Georgia); children Brody, Mason, and Nolan.

Daughter Bonita Finck; granddaughter Gena (Brady) Jones, (Sawyer, North Dakota); children Summer and Stephon.

Daughter Lorrie (Bruce) Henderson, (Sturgis, South Dakota); granddaughter Kristen (Josh) Lunt, (Sioux Falls, South Dakota); children Brooklyn and Carter. Granddaughter Desirae Kummer (Harrisburg, South Dakota), children Keegan (Alisa) and Reese. Grandson Derek Papka (Rapid City, South Dakota).

Son Tim (Amy) Finck; granddaughter Amanda Finck (Derek); children Koda, Greyson and Berkley.  Grandson Tyler Schwindt (Katie), children Aria, Logan and Aiden. Granddaughters Amber and Grace Finck. All of Watertown, South Dakota.

Son Eltonjon Finck (Rapid City, South Dakota).

Darlene is survived by her children Lorrie, Tim and Eltonjon, all grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Siblings Richard (Lois) Schwartz, Carol (Harry) Koppinger, Gary (Lynda) Schwartz, Dianne Schwartz, and sister-in-law Rosie Schwartz. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Alton Finck in 2017, parents Gottlieb and Pauline Schwartz, daughters Brenda Honeyman and Bonita Finck, sisters Margie Anderson and Dorothy Hoff, brothers Edward Schwartz, Fredrick "Fritz" Schwartz, and Donnie Schwartz.