Darlyne Avonne (Haugen) Podein, 81, died peacefully at her home on November 11, 2012, following a long battle with cancer.

Darlyne was born to Edwin O.E. and Marie (Anderson) Haugen on March 10, 1931 at home on the Haugen farm in Wanamingo Township, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Holden Lutheran Church and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1949.

Darlyne began working at Mayo Clinic in 1953. Her career there spanned 35 years, working and then training others in the Registration Department until her retirement from Mayo in 1991.

On October 24, 1964, Darlyne married Arthur C. Podein in Eyota. They moved to the Rushford area in 1967 and resided there until 1984 when they returned to the Rochester area. Art died on June 2, 1995 after a lengthy illness. After her husband's death, Darlyne spent many hours volunteering at Hope Lodge, the Rochester Senior Center, and High Pointe, and continued connecting regularly with high school classmates, relatives, and friends.

Darlyne is survived by her sister, Elaine Grove of Zumbrota, sister-in-law Dorothy Haugen of Wilmington, NC, numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and beloved friend, Larry Holtegaard.

Darlyne was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur Podein; infant son; brothers, Conrad O. Haugen and Ronald O. Haugen, brother-in-law, Arvin P. Grove; nephew, Eddie A. Haugen; grand-nephew Mark C. Haugen II.

A celebration of Darlyne's life will be held at 11:00AM on November 21, 2012 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home (1119 11 1/2 ^th Street SE Rochester, MN) with visitation held  from 9:30-11:00AM at the River Park Chapel previous to the service. Memorials are preferred to Hope Lodge of Rochester or the Rochester Community and Technical College Scholarship Foundation.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.