Darlene H. Alfson

Darlene H. Alfson, age 72, resident of rural Binford, ND, died Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND, surrounded by her family.  Faith and family were the cornerstones of her life.

Darlene Harriet Enstad was born June 8, 1949 at McVille, ND, the daughter of Harold and Virginia (Werle) Enstad.  She was raised in Pekin, ND, and graduated from Tolna High School.  She married Fred Briss on March 18, 1967 at Pekin Lutheran Church.  They resided in Cooperstown and later rural Binford.  Fred died on December 22, 1973.  Darlene found love again, and married Loren Alfson on December 13, 1974 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Binford.  They farmed and raised their family east of Binford.

Darlene loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.  In later years she took care of her mother, Virginia, who lived with Darlene and Loren on the farm.  They did many things together including going to grandkids’ basketball games, crocheted, and made quilts.  Darlene loved the country life, decorating, dancing, music, and her flowers.  She was a good card player and belonged to the Binford Bridge Club where she enjoyed laughter and treasured her friendships.  She was always there for her family and friends, either a phone call away or ready with a cup of coffee and a favorite treat to share at the kitchen table.  She had an excellent eye for creating a beautiful home, and she and Loren created a warm and loving home for their family, as their home became the center of all holidays and many special gatherings.  She loved and trusted in the Lord and her faith was made known through her loving kindness, compassion, and caring nature.  She was an active member of New Life Fellowship church.

Darlene will be deeply missed by her husband, Loren Alfson; 4 children, Lisa (Jerome) Short of McHenry, ND, Sheri (Michael) Fischer of Wing, ND, Craig (Tiffany) Briss of Cooperstown, ND, and Lori (Chris) Nelson of Towner, ND; 10 grandchildren, Krista (Justin) Denny, Jakenda Short, Kaleb Short, Hannah Fischer, Makennah Fischer, Savannah Fischer, Martyn Fischer, Joshua Briss, Rylan (Kayce) Briss, and Kaylyn Briss; 3 great grandchildren, Harlyn Denny, Nevaeh Briss, and Waylon Briss; her mother, Virginia Enstad of Pekin, ND; a sister, Karen (Wayne) Hjelseth of Spearfish, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Enstad; her sister, Cathy Meyer; and first husband, Fred Briss.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Life Fellowship, rural Tolna, ND, on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.

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