Nelson, Darlene Ann of Chanhass-en, Minnesota, peacefully passed away on December 5, 2016, aged 86, at the Minnesota Masonic Home. She had congestive heart failure. Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bob and her mother, Anne Martin. She is survived by her son, Todd and grandson Andy of Chanhassen, Minnesota, and daughter Julie and husband Neil Hedlund, of Arlington, Virginia. Darlene graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis and took courses at the University of Minnesota. From 1950 to 1952 she worked as a secretary at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. After her children were older she resumed her secretarial career at the Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis, in the Department of Rehabilitative Medicine. Following her retirement, Darlene became an enthusiastic traveler, with trips to Europe, the Mideast, Latin America, Canada, and across the United States. She is fondly remembered for her spirit of fun and wry sense of humor. Thanks to the wonderful staff at Summerwood of Chanhassen and Minnesota Masonic Home in caring for Darlene. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home, 7625 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota with family visitation one hour before service and lunch to follow. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Darlene may be made to the charity of your choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400