Darlene Ann Troiano (Welander)

January 3, 1941 – December 3, 2025, Darlene Ann Troiano (née Welander) was born to Lyle and Helen Welander (née Bielke) on January 3, 1941, in South Minneapolis, Minnesota. She later lived in Larned, Kansas, and Hammonton, New Jersey, before returning to Farmington, Minnesota, in 2007, where she found her forever home across from her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.

Throughout her life, Darlene held many meaningful roles, including secretary work at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis—where she met her life partner and loving husband, Anthony "Tony" Troiano, MD—as well as legal and social work at Larned State Hospital in Kansas, and billing for her husband's psychiatric practice in Hammonton, New Jersey.

Darlene had a creative and caring spirit. She had a deep love for dragonflies and frogs, which reminded her of peace and transformation. She loved to cook and bake for her family, paint, and write—she had even been working on her own book. A lifelong reader, she found joy in quiet moments with a good story and the comforting companionship of her beloved cat, Mia.

Darlene will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. She is survived by her sons Anthony Dentz (Carol Henning) and Jeffrey Dentz (Christine); daughter-in-law Terri McClain-Dentz; son-in-law Jobe Compton; grandchildren Laterrick McClain, Hilary McClain-Dentz, Jerad Compton, Joseph Gonsowski, Paige Dhaene (Brandan), Anthony Dentz II, and Connor Dentz; 5 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; niece and nephews; her best friend, Luann Allora; and her soul cat, Mia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony "Tony" Troiano, MD; son, Hilary "Larry" Dentz; daughter, Stephanie Compton; twin sister, Donna Werdick; and sister, Sharon Kremer;

Darlene's loving spirit, creativity, and gentle heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  A Memorial Visitation will be held from 12-3PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the White Funeral Home located at 901 Third Street, Farmington, MN.