Darlene E. Bygland

Darlene E. Bygland, 88, of Albion, NE, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2019, surrounded by her family, at her home in Albion, NE.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2019, at Immanuel Zion Lutheran Church (South Branch), rural Albion, with Rev. Becky Beckman and Rev. Terry Larson officiating. Interment will be at the South Branch Cemetery, rural Albion, NE. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE.

Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel-Zion Lutheran Church or to the family for later designation.

Darlene Elizabeth (Claus) Bygland was born March 13, 1931 at rural Humphrey to John and Esabell (Johnson) Claus. She was baptized April 26, 1931 by Rev. Wikman and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church (Green Garden), rural Madison.   She attended St. John's Lutheran parochial school and Newman Grove High School, graduating in 1948. After high school she graduated from National Career School of Omaha in airline communications and later worked at Mutual of Omaha Insurance in Omaha.

On November 6, 1949 Darlene was united in marriage to Iver G. Bygland at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Madison. The couple resided and farmed in the South Branch, rural Albion, most of their married life. They lived in Mount Vernon, from 1957-1958.

Iver was injured in a farm accident in 1985 and Darlene lovingly took care of him through multiple surgeries. They continued to farm until their retirement in 1994 when they moved to Albion.

She and Iver enjoyed traveling especially a trip to Israel in 1999 to celebrate their 50 ^th wedding anniversary. They also traveled extensively with friends and family.

Most enjoyable times were spent with family especially Friday night social gatherings. She was known for her love of baking, cooking, trying new recipes. Coffee was always hot and food was passed around the table along with lively conversation and laughter.

Darlene was a member of Immanuel Zion Lutheran Church serving on many committees throughout the years. She was on the Good Samaritan Estates board. She belonged to History and Arts Club. She and Iver were part of a Dinner/Dance club for 55+ years.

Survivors include her husband Iver of 70 years; daughter, Sandy (Doug) Orender, Albion, NE, sons: Steve (Lynn), Albion, NE, Greg (Ginger) Albion, NE and Jim (Connie) Edmond, OK.; brother, John (Vernell) Claus; sister-in-law: Irene (Bygland) Gladem; grandchildren: Erin (Paul) Nelson, Omaha, NE; Kyle (Lauren) Bygland, Cary, NC; Lauren Bygland, Oklahoma City, OK; Brent (Ashley) Bygland, Albion, NE, Craig (Jennifer) Bygland, Albion, NE; Megan Bygland, Omaha, NE; Justin (Sara) Gunden, Lake Oswego, OR; Jordon Gunden, Pigeon, MI; Allison Bygland, Tulsa, OK; great grandchildren: Ava, Adalynn, Ivy Nelson; Iver & Ivan Bygland, Henry Bygland, Max Bygland, and many nieces and nephews

Preceding her in death her daughter, Susan Kay; parents: John & Esabell Claus; sister Barbara (Jack) Badje; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Stephen (Edna) Bygland, Agnes (Pershing) Kettelson; Duane Gladem; Gladys (Doug) Freeman, and Cora (Dale) Larson.