Darleen A. Kochel, age 100, passed away peacefully at 1:37 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025, under the care of Hospice at Tioga Medical Long Term Care Center, Tioga, ND.
Darleen was born on January 3, 1925, in Benson, MN, the daughter of Elmer and Mathilda (Mattie Roget) Anderson. She grew up in the Willard, MT area and attended high school in Baker, MT. She graduated in 1943, then moved to San Diego, CA where she worked for a major airline as a typist, then went to work at a music store which she loved.
In 1945 she moved back to Baker, MT when her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Kochel was discharged from the service. They married on November 8, 1945. Darleen was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star in Baker. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing beautiful clothing, including men’s suit coats, wedding dresses, costumes, and clothes for dolls. She also enjoyed crocheting afghans. Other hobbies included ceramics, dancing, playing cards, baking, cooking, gardening, making jelly, and canning fruits and vegetables. Her homemade dill pickles were to die for. She was a deadeye shot with her 30-30 rifle on hunting trips with her husband and son, as well as an excellent pistol shot.
Darleen is survived by her son Reid Kochel, (wife Jennifer) of Spearfish, SD, their 3 children (Aaron,Ashley Green, & Chauncey) & 4 grandchildren; daughters: Jan Krier, (husband Randy) of Ray, ND; Kathi Gatlin of Miles City, MT, her 2 children (Garryn Tvedt & Grant) & 5 grandchildren; Tami Meckle, (husband Russ) of Bismarck ND, their 3 children (Chayce Taylor, Travis Taylor, & Michelle Williamson) & 10 grandchildren; her very special brother Jack Westrope, & wife Anne of Billings, MT and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Fred Westrope, husband Kenneth, son in-law Gary Gatlin, brother Alden Anderson, and sisters Evelyn Gaer, Edna Wells, and Lois Barrington.
Per Darleen’s request, a private interment with her husband Ken in the Miles City Veterans Cemetery will follow cremation. No services. In lieu of cards/gifts/flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jean Hickey says
Sorry for your loss. I always looked up to your mother. She was a very gracious lady!
Tab Fleming says
Reid, Tami, Jan, and Kathi I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Kenny and Darleen were such wonderful people. Many good memories were made over the years when my parents hung out together hunting, playing cards and stuff. Your mom was always so warm and inviting. I’ll always enjoy thinking of those times together. Prayers and comfort for you all in the days ahead.
Elaine Schieffer says
Jan and Kathi – I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember her as a beautiful and lovely lady. I know you have many memories, and I know your hearts will remember long after you have said your good-byes. Sending warm thoughts and a hug.
Cori Hanel Munsell says
So sorry, my dad Tom Hanel worked with your Dad Ken in MC @ MDU. Our parents were good friends. Ken and Darlene were very nice people.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss
Laura Lee Ullrich says
I am so sorry for your loss! I am happy that she made it to 100 years! What an amazing life she led! Prayers of comfort and peace for each of you!