Darlene E. Maves

Darlene Elizabeth Maves, 93, of Frazee, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Frazee Care Center, with her family by her side.

Darlene Elizabeth Wirth was born June 29, 1933, in Forman, ND. She moved to Frazee at a young age and lived there all her life. She attended county school and graduated from Frazee High School in 1951.

Darlene met Clarence Maves at a dance hall near Toad Lake. They were married on April 21, 1954, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee, and shared 53 years of marriage until Clarence's passing in March 2007. They farmed together north of Frazee and raised their two sons and daughter. 

Darlene enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, and baking for her family.

Darlene continued to live on the farm with her son John until April 2026, when she entered Frazee Care Center. There she enjoyed visiting with staff, residents, family, and friends, as well as reading the newspaper, listening to music, playing bingo, and attending weekly church services in the chapel.

Darlene is survived by her sons, John and Kenneth (Darla) Maves; her daughter, Nancy (Mike) Sayer of Frazee; three grandsons, Ben (Carrie) Sayer, Jake Sayer, and Travis Branden; three great-grandchildren; and her sister, Nonie (Dale) Cunningham of Brighton, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elva and Carl Wirth; her husband, Clarence Maves; and her brother, Steve Wirth.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee, MN. Interment will be at 1:15 p.m. at Chilton Cemetery in Frazee, MN.