Darlene Mager 01/27/2026

Darlene Mager, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, soft words, warm touches, and an abundance of love. Though her body was ready, our hearts were not. She left this world far sooner than we were prepared to let her go.

Born on March 20, 1945, to Harry and Ethel Leeson, Darlene was the youngest of three children and the only girl—a role she wore with equal parts mischief and determination. She adored her older brothers, Jerry and Gene, and followed them everywhere, often stirring up trouble and then relying on “the boys” to help her out of it. Those early years shaped her lifelong spunk, humor, and fierce loyalty to the people she loved.

As a young girl in Grand Forks, she met the first great love of her life, the cute boy next door Dennis Mager. They married when they were 18 and went on to build a lively, adventurous life together, raising four children: Debi, Darin, Danyiel, and Dana. Restless and curious, Darlene and Dennis moved their family across many states, though Ventura, California, was always considered home. She kept a spotless house, loved her soap operas, and never hesitated to drop the kids off at school in curlers and pajamas, giggling all the way.

Her early cooking years were…memorable. Family dinners featured Chef Boyardee spaghetti from a box, SOS, and “goulash”—meals endured more than enjoyed. Thankfully, with time and practice, her cooking evolved into something genuinely delicious, much to everyone’s relief.

Darlene found peace and joy in her gardens. She spent countless hours outdoors, hands deep in the soil, trading plants with friends and family and finding comfort in watching things grow. Nature was one of her greatest companions.

At just 37 years old, Darlene’s life changed forever when she became a young widow. The loss of Dennis brought immense heartbreak, and she faced it while raising her children and caring for others, devoting years to being a caregiver for her brother Gene, her mother, and her father-in-law. Strength, sacrifice, and resilience defined this chapter of her life. Eventually, she and the family found their way back to Wisconsin, where, over time, all her children returned as well.

When her children began families of their own, Darlene truly blossomed. Being a grandma was one of her greatest joys, a title she wore proudly and lovingly. Her face would light up with every visit, every hug, and every moment spent with her growing family.

Later in life, she found love again with Leo Tupa. Together they shared deep happiness, traveling and splitting their time between Grand Forks and New Richmond. Their life together was full and beautiful, and though it ended far too soon with Leo’s passing, the love they shared remained a treasured part of her story.

In recent years, Darlene became an active and joyful presence at the New Richmond Senior Center where she met her current partner, Jim Johnson. She cherished the friendships she formed there and especially loved the bingo games. A special group of friends eventually became the Friday Dinner Group. They gathered regularly to eat, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Leeson and Ethel Mager; her first love and husband, Dennis Mager; her brothers, Jerry and Gene Leeson; her beloved partner, Leo Tupa; and her daughter, Danyiel Mager-Bird.

She is survived by her children, Debi Mager (Rick Huard), Darin Mager (Nancy), Dana Watters, and stepdaughter, Deb Tupa Bata (Jim); seven grandchildren, Brandon Diener (Anna), Ashley (Taylor), Jared Guess, Joel Mager (MaryAnne), Rachel Mager, Gavin Bird, and Cali Watters; and five great-grandchildren, Vivian Diener, Landon Diener, Louise Mager, Mabel Mager, and Erik—all of whom carry her strength, humor, and love forward. She is also survived by her partner, Jim Johnson; her stepsister, Darlene May (David), and family; stepbrother, Tom Mager (Connie) and family; sister-in-law, Sandy Heuer and family, and so many cherished family and friends whose lives were touched by knowing her.

Darlene lived a life marked by courage, perseverance, and deep devotion to family and friends. She was well loved, and will be profoundly missed—but her stories, laughter, and love will remain with us always.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 5:00PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) New Richmond, Wisconsin and will be live streamed using the link below.  Visitation will begin at 4:00PM. 

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here on February 12, 2026 at 5:00PM to watch Darlene’s service.