Darlene Figgins Obituary

Darlene M. Figgins

1936 - 2025

Darlene M. Figgins, age 88, left us on Sunday, February 23, 2025, to live her eternal life in Heaven.

Darlene was born April 27, 1936, to Gilbert and Kate Lessard who lived in Itasca County, Arbo Township. As a child she was active in the 4H program and spent a lot of time at the Itasca County fair, with entries such as pie baking, a pet pig, and health champion of Itasca County. Working on the family farm was a daily routine, with large gardens, milking cows, and the special treats of making homemade donuts or fudge. She graduated from Grand Rapids School District in 1954 with honors, while working at First National Foods and loving it. She then started working for Itasca County.

In 1957, she married Marvin Figgins and moved to Georgia during his time in the Army. While there, she had the first of four sons. In 1959 they returned to Grand Rapids and Darlene started working for Robert Horn, owner of H&M Automotive. She had three more boys; this was a special time for her and the boys to do many activities together, as Marvin was busy driving truck all over the United States. Raising four wonderful sons, Lance, Scott, Kevin, and Todd.

In 1983, Darlene made the decision to leave H&M Automotive to start up an office building for Marvin's growing business. She worked with her husband in their businesses; Figgins Transport and Norbon Oil, until they retired in November 2011.

Her sons have given her 10 precious grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Darlene spent many, many hours going to baseball, hockey, football, racquetball, and basketball games in which the grandchildren participated. She enjoyed spending time bringing them out to eat and then shopping for their moms and dads and of course a little something for each child. Many memories were made during those trips uptown with grandma.

Darlene had a gift to see something good in every person she would meet. She had the ability to remember people's birthdays, anniversaries, and special days for them. She would remember to make a phone call or send a card or a gift, with some thoughtful message and make people feel like someone cared. She was a dedicated mother to her family, right up to the end. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, every one of them meant something special to her in their own way.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers; Bill and Wayne "Buckshot" Lessard; and beloved dog Rowdy. She is survived by her sons, Lance (Judy), Scott (Michelle), Kevin (Lisa) and Todd (Jackie); 10 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. She has a special place in her heart for Brad Beier, Rory Snettsinger, and Jeff Haley, who all lived in the Figgins household for a period of time in their young lives. Darlene will be sorely missed by her family and many of the people she touched while she was with us.

In lieu of flowers and cards, memorials are preferred to Caring Fore Kids Charity through the Grand Itasca Foundation.

Visitation will be held at Rowe Funeral Home on Saturday, June 14, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM and lasting until 11:30AM memorial service. Burial will be at Harris Cemetery following the memorial service.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.