Obituary of Darlene Joy Liljedahl (Tuenge)

Liljedahl (Tuenge), 

Darlene J. 

Age 71, of North St. Paul, passed away on October 9, 2023.  

Surrounded by love and peace, Darlene (Tuenge) Liljedahl was a bright source of comfort for those around her.  

Born in Stillwater in 1951, she grew up as a young girl ready to take on the ever-growing world. She was a bright, smart, hardworking girl who had her entire life waiting for her.  

Graduating From Stillwater High School in 1969, she eventually moved to both St. Paul and North St. Paul, becoming the quintessential working woman during her time in the workforce. When she finally retired, she spent her days having close family care for her as well as watching courtroom shows and cooking competition shows in her beloved sunroom. She loved traveling, sewing, and playing bunco with her friends. With never a hair turning grey (Darlene’s little note), she was always there for her loved ones to give and lend a helping hand. While she may no longer be with us, those who knew her to any capacity will remember her spirit, love, and protection through our memories and her presence in the afterlife. 

She remembers those who left before her: her late husband Gary, her mother June Bahneman, her brother Tim Tuenge, and her former husband Bill Heifort. She is survived by her children Steve Heifort Sr (Michelle), Kari Heifort (Josh Fredrickson), and Vance Liljedahl (Kyle), alongside her grandchildren Tyler, Justin (Karen), Ryan, Lucas, Grady, Abby, Steven Jr, and Marissa. She is also survived by special members of her family: her brother Greg Tuenge & two other siblings, Sara & Garett Carter along with their children Markus, Kaeden, and Olivia, Courtney Blue, Jacob Liljedahl, Rob, Athena, Lizzie, Elizabeth Wegele, and her nieces & nephews. 
 

Darlene was a light to everyone around her and although she was hellbent in her own ways, she was always willing to not only help others, but to let those who were close help her as well. While she is and always will be an important part of all of us, we also know that at a certain point the goodbye we dread will have to come and we just have to accept this part of a story we don’t want to end. She always said when it was her time, it was her time. And in true Darlene fashion, it was finally her time. 
 
“I’ve had the time of my life”- Dirty Dancing 

The family would like to thank HealthPartners Hospice for everything they did for Darlene.