Darlene Joanne Elam-Miller

Darlene JoAnne Elam-Miller, age 89, of Litchfield, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the gentle care of her devoted caregiver and friend, Mimi.

Visitation will be on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield and will continue on Monday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the church. Funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11:00 am. with Pastor Tom Evenson officiating. Interment will be at Forest City Cemetery in Forest City. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Born on September 10, 1935, in Litchfield, MN, Darlene was the beloved daughter of William and Edith Dollerschell. She was raised on the family farm in Forest City, where she developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family and community. A proud graduate of Litchfield High School, Darlene carried her small-town values with her throughout her life.

On October 3, 1954, Darlene married Robert (Bob) Elam, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. They raised their three children in Darwin, MN, in a home that became the heart of countless cherished family memories. Darlene worked as a tax consultant and later joined her sister Helen at the Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant and Supper Club, where she served as a hostess and bookkeeper.

In 1980, Darlene and Bob embarked on a new adventure, purchasing Wright One Travel in Buffalo, MN. Their shared passion for travel took them to destinations far and wide, and they later expanded the business with a second office in Litchfield and the construction of Wright One Plaza in Buffalo.

Darlene was a woman of deep faith and service. She was an active member of both All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin and First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, where she served on church councils, women’s organizations, and in Stephen Ministries. After Bob’s passing in 1987, Darlene moved to Litchfield and continued her commitment to community through her work with the Meeker County hospice program.

In 2000, Darlene was blessed to find love again with Donald (Bud) Miller. Their marriage brought companionship and joy until Bud’s passing in 2015.

Darlene’s life was rich with the things she loved most-traveling, fishing, playing cards, hosting gatherings, and above all, spending time with her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering care for others left a lasting legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Edith Dollerschell; her first husband, Robert (Bob) Elam; her second husband, Donald (Bud) Miller; her brothers, Harper, Daynor, and Virgil Dollerschell; and her sisters, Helen Beniek-Mullen and Shirley Dollerschell.

Darlene is survived by her children: Wayne (Susan) Elam, Ron (Nancy) Elam, and Kim (William) Dolan; her grandchildren: Christina (Edward) Cox, Timothy (Megan) Elam, Nathan (Angie) Elam, Joseph Elam, Alissa (Luke) Piram, Whitney (TR) McDowell, and William (Morganne) Dolan; and her great-grandchildren: Caden, Kyler, Jace, and Jeron Cox; Lauren and Gabe Elam; Noah and Kali Elam; Addison and Kinsley Elam; Blake, Brynlee, and Beau Piram; Tripp McDowell; and Evelyn Dolan.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Mimi, whose compassionate care and friendship brought comfort and joy to Darlene in her final years.

Darlene’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and service. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.