Darlean Carol Greeley

Darlean Carol Greeley, age 84, of Mankato, Minnesota, died surrounded by family on July 31, 2025 at Laurels Peak Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, MN.

A Remembrance Service will be held at Church of Christ in Madelia, MN on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 am. A visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Madelia.

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Darlean Carol Olson was born July 11, 1941, to Herman Jr. and Bernice (Knudson) Olson in Mountain Lake, MN. She graduated from St. James High School in 1959. On January 30, 1960, she married Melvin Greeley in St. James and they raised 5 children in Madelia, Minnesota.

Darlean worked a variety of jobs, with the majority of her working career being at the Madelia Elementary School, where she was a secretary for 27 years.

In her free time, she liked sewing, crafts, genealogy, and in later years she collected, repaired and sold collectible dolls.  Darlean and Melvin enjoyed buying and selling antiques for more than 40 years. She spent 35 years volunteering as a club and county leader with the Blue Earth County 4-H Program. Darlean enjoyed spending time with friends and family, visiting and playing cards with the people she and Melvin met while spending several winters in Arizona.

Faith was very important to Darlean. She was a member of the Madelia Church of Christ where she was active as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Group leader, and member of the Ladies Council. Darlean also was instrumental in documenting the history of the church and planning the 100th Anniversary for the church.

Darlean is survived by her children, Judy (Mike) Zylstra of Villa Grove, Illinois, Barb (Ron) Zylstra of Stewartville, Cindy (Tom) Medcalfe of Dodge Center, Cathy Greeley of Lanesboro, and Daryl Greeley of Lewisville; 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren with one more on the way; and brothers, Leland (Sharon) Olson of St. James and Marlin (Diane) Olson of Comfrey.

Darlean was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Bernice Olson; husband, Melvin Greeley; brothers, Leon Olson, Steven Olson and Michael Olson.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Duane, Luanne, and family for all their care and support.