Minnie Brachvogel and George Strong celebrated their youngest of six children born Darlene LaDonna Strong on Tuesday, May 9, 1933 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Darlene grew up in Minneapolis and met John Richter in 1949, they were married May 9, 1950. They had three girls together: Linda Lee, Pamela Rae, and Sue Ellen. Darlene is survived by her three daughters and their spouses; Linda Richter and Janet Zalewski, Pamela Baltuskonis and Dennis Baltuskonis, Sue Richter and Alan Phillips. In addition, she had 5 grandchildren; Andrew Fortin and his wife Lindsey Fortin, Nathan Baltuskonis and his wife Evie Baltuskonis, Philip Baltuskonis and his wife Carly Novak, Abigail Baltuskonis, Emma Mueller and her husband Philip Mueller. She has three great grandchildren; Eli Fortin, Eden Fortin, and Lucien Baltuskonis.

Darlene completed high school with a GED. She loved fashion, interior design, travel, cooking and the Lord. She was an entrepreneur and sold Avon, mostly to friends and family. She taught Sunday school and modeled. Later in her career she worked as a legal secretary where she retired. 

Darlene passed peacefully with her three daughters by her side on February 23, 2026.