IRONWOOD, Mich. - Darlene Annette Kangas Perlberg, 84, of Ironwood, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, in Rochester, Minnesota, after suffering a stroke on Nov. 9, at the Mayo Clinic.

Darlene was born on Sept. 15, 1938, in Erwin Township, a daughter of Edward and Martha (Pohjola) Anderson. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1957.

Darlene worked as a waitress in several downtown Ironwood restaurants until meeting and marrying John H. Kangas on Feb. 21, 1959. He preceded her in death on Aug. 14, 1987.

Darlene then worked at Hautamaki's Nursing Home in Ironwood as a housekeeper and laundress.

On March 16, 1992, she married John F. Perlberg of Ironwood. He preceded her in death in 2012.

Darlene is survived by three children, Barbara (Robert) Ahnen, Bessemer, David Kangas, Montreal, Wisconsin, and Paul Kangas, Windsor Locks, Connecticut; a grandson, Jonathon; three brothers, Jim (Sandy) Anderson, Gerald Anderson and Allan (Judy) Anderson; a sister, Jean Orso; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Robert, William and David; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Anderson and Sandra Anderson; and her brother-in-law, Julius (Jack) Orso.

Mom was a fighter her whole life despite her petite size. She defeated cancer in 2005, a stroke in 2020, and the slow loss of her eyesight due to a rare autoimmune disease. This last stroke was her last fight that just couldn't be won. We'll miss you terribly Momma, but rejoice that you are with Daddy once again.

Darlene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Nicole Hanson-Lynn officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the service.

A committal service and interment will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., Ironwood, MI 49938.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family. To send online condolences or to share a memory please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com .