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Darlene Harriet (Swiontek) Sparby, age 91, of Shafer, Minnesota passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026 at her home of natural causes.

Darlene and her twin brother, Darwin, were born at home in Farmington Township, Wisconsin to Mike and Pearl (Pruno) Swiontek. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in East Farmington, where she was a lifelong member. Darlene was employed at LADD Memorial, Champion Aircraft, a few other factory jobs and helping Loren on the farm. 

Darlene graduated from Osceola High School in 1954. She married Loren Sparby in November of 1962 and they raised 3 children together, Sonny (Irene), Doris, and Cindy.

They raised cattle, pigs and chickens, which she loved to yodel to, until 1996 when they built their home on their land across the road. 

Darlene was very involved with her church activities including the braille workshop, church choir, offering counting, prayer group, ladies aid, telephone ministry and was a member of circle 4. She also enjoyed being around her family, working in her garden and reading in her younger years. She will be dearly missed. 

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Pearl; husband Loren; twin brother, Darwin (sister-in-law Jeanette); brothers, Russel, and Henry, and brothers-in-law, Leland Cross, Morris, John and Raymond Anadal, Marly and Armand Marx and nephew, Jason Swiontek.

Darlene is survived by her children, Sonny (Irene), Doris, and Cindy; brothers, Mickey (Maggie), Larry (Debbie), and Darrel (Bonnie); sister, Shirley, and sister-in-law Carol; 5 grandchildren, Aaron (Brenda), Dianna (Toney), Nicole (Brandon), Justin (Kayla), and Kysaundra (Justin); 13 great grandchildren, Alex, Kyle, Iylee, Phoenix, Brooke, Prestynn, Keagen, Sierra, Charlie, Owen, Evan, Rylan and Layne and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, East Farmington, WI, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, East Farmington, WI. Following the interment a luncheon will be served in the church basement. Arrangements are with the Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, WI. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com. 

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