Darin J. Kolness, 55, Halstad, MN, formerly Hendrum, MN entered eternal life on July 31, 2023, at Halstad Living Center with his family by his side. 
Darin was born January 16, 1968, in Moorhead, MN, to Leydon “Laddie” Kolness and Beverly (Cotton) Kolness. Born with Down Syndrome and a premie, he came home to his family that loved him so after 38 days in the hospital at a whopping 5 lbs. In 1968, Down Syndrome was thought of very differently. His parents were told they could put him in an institution as was the normal practice at that time but heavens NO. He was ours and ours to love. He was a blessing from above his whole life through. His smile, his infectious laugh, his empathy, and the love he gave was the gift we were given with his extra 21st chromosome. He was a true angel on earth and loved by so many, and he was an exemplary example of how we all should live. We can all take away that lesson from Darin.
He continued to reside in Hendrum with his parents after graduating from Ada High School in May of 1988. He attended the Ada DAC, Crookston DAC, and worked part-time at Noel’s Grocery Store in Hendrum until he moved to Warren, MN to start his adult adventure as he wished for. He resided at Marshall Place in Warren with 3 housemates. While living in Warren he became very much a part of the community working at various tasks at the DAC, his last work being sorting parts for exotic bird toys. He and his housemates enjoyed attending basketball games, and he was a devout fan of the Warren-Alvarado-Olso Ponies. He rarely missed the home games, and he and his friends were always seen cheering the teams on. He moved to Halstad Living Center in 2021 and continued to spread his joy. His smile was infectious, and he touched too many people to count. He could not have lived in better communities or had better care. To know him was to love him. He taught many about unconditional love, laughter, and joy and will be missed by many.
Darin is survived by his loving mother, Bev; siblings, Mike and (Cathy) Kolness, Jason and (Samantha) Kolness, Angie and (Matt) Nelson, and David and (Jessie) Kolness; nieces and nephews, Laura and (Mark) Mitteness, Katie and (Eric) Staebler, Megan and (Daniel) Lindgren, Michael, and (Megan) Kolness, Lily and Max Kolness, Connor Nelson, and Katelyn, Liam, Sawyer, and Joy Kolness; great nieces and nephews, Morgan and Miley Mitteness, Beckham Lindgren, and Aiden Kolness; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Darin was preceded in death by his father, Laddie; grandparents, Sherman and Mildred Kolness and Wilbur and Grace Cotton; uncles, Billy Kolness and Donovan Kolness; nephews, Andrew and Nicholas Kolness; aunt, Debbie Kolness; and his best friend, Jim Leidberg.
The family would like to express our thankfulness and gratitude to all those who supported Darin and his family with prayers, kindness, and care his whole life and during the last two years of life while fighting his battle with health issues, especially Marshall County DAC, Marshall Place staff, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and Halstad Living Center staff. Memorials are preferred to Halstad Living Center.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM, Monday, August 7, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Halstad, MN.
Visitation: Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Halstad, MN. The Rosary will begin at 5:00 PM, all are welcome, followed by visitation from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, with a prayer service to begin at 6:30 PM.
Burial: Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Hendrum, MN.
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home of Ada and Halstad.
