Darla Friedrichsen

Darla Rae Friedrichsen, affectionately known as “Dar,” was born on July 13, 1959, in Denison, Iowa, the daughter of Wayne and Elsie “Babe” (Brown) Christenson. She was baptized at the First United Methodist Church in Dow City and was raised in Arion and Dow City. Darla received her education at Dow City High School. Following her schooling, Darla began her working years as a teacher at Pooh’s Cottage in Denison. She later worked at Pamida and General Electric in Carroll before finding the career that would become a defining part of her life.

On November 14, 1981, Darla was united in marriage to Byron Friedrichsen at the First United Methodist Church in Dow City. They were blessed with three children, first the surprise gift of twins, Chris and, 28 minutes later, Kristin, whom Darla did not know she was expecting, and later their son, Cody. The family made their home in Denison.

Darla worked at Holiday Gas Station in Denison before beginning her long-standing career at Casey’s General Store. Starting as an assistant manager, she was shortly promoted to manager, a role she held with dedication for 37 years. She worked at Casey’s until she was forced to retire due to her cancer diagnosis. Darla was well known for her warm smile, and people truly loved seeing her friendly face.

She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Denison, where she served on the Board of Trustees. Darla enjoyed trips to the casino, spending time outdoors, and camping. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. In January, she was able to fulfill a longtime dream of going on a cruise with Byron and many of her relatives. Above all, her family was her life, and she loved attending and supporting them in their many activities.

Darla passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on February 10, 2026, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 66 years, six months, and 28 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Rickey Christenson; sister, Deb (Mike) Artle; and siblings-in-law, Barb Meseck, Brad Friedrichsen and Rhonda Friedrichsen.

Darla is survived by her husband of over 44 years, Byron Friedrichsen of Denison; three children: Chris (Jessica) Friedrichsen of Glidden, Kristin (DeVon) Clark of Denison, Cody (Tiffany) Friedrichsen of Schleswig; grandchildren: Cooper, Harper, Otto, Kyia, Chase, Landon and Larynn “Lu”; her beloved puppy, Lucy; sister, Denise (Terry) Weltz of Colo; brother, Zachary (Jen) Whitenack of Waukee; siblings-in-law: Betty Jo Jacoby of Denison, Burton (Nancy) Friedrichsen, Birddog Friedrichsen of Denison, Bruce Friedrichsen of Vail and Byron Meseck of Ricketts; and other family and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Denison. Interment will follow in the Zion Cemetery in Denison. The family will direct memorials.