Darlene Kay Biever

Darlene returned to God in the early morning of August 1, 2026, by the side of her husband and best friend, Eugene Biever, in her sleep at their home. The last few years of her life she was closely attended to by her husband, daughter Laurie who moved in with them, nearby friends, a wonderful hospice team, and many visiting family members and friends, some of whom were staying there at the time.

A beautiful baby girl and tom boy, Darlene Kay Marie Smith was born in Centerville, South Dakota, the only daughter and one of seven children, to Opal Marie (Taylor) and George Matthew Smith on August 16, 1941. Her family raised her with her heart firmly planted in God’s love, and she developed a respect for education through earning her Bachelor’s in Education from St. Cloud University and Master’s in Education from the University of Minnesota. She enjoyed teaching her students in elementary school, mainly the 6th grade. Both of these gifts she fostered in her own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved deeply and with great intention.

Eugene Wayne Biever fell in love with her for her “beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, ruby lips, rosy cheeks, soft soothing voice, great personality, her surety of what she wanted in life, great spiritual life, and of course her beautiful figure.” Darlene married Eugene Wayne Biever on August 19, 1961, and raised a family with him: John, Laurie, Bryan, Susan, Christopher (miscarried), and Flora who joined their family when she was 14. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary guided her in raising their family, ministering in the community, and supporting her husband in his calling as a deacon and through his health scares. After he wore a yellow shirt with orange pants on their first date, Darlene made sure to set out her husband’s outfits for him.

Darlene is survived by her husband Gene Biever of Pine City; children John (Linda) Biever of Michigan, Laurie Biever of Pine City, Bryan (Ann) Biever of Florida, Susan Kopecky of Pennsylvania; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; foster son-in-law Craig Anderson of Mankato; brothers Pat Smith of Long Prairie, Michael (Sheila) Smith of Missouri; brother/sisters-in-law Larry (Helen) Biever of Virginia, Sherry Smith and Janice Lenz of South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her immensely.

She is reunited with her parents George and Opal Smith; son Christopher Biever; foster daughter Flora Anderson; brothers Bernard (Shizo) Smith, Jerry "Gary" Smith, Jim Smith, Max Smith; and sister-in-law Doris Smith.

Father Thomas Galarneault will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for Darlene: 11 AM; Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Pine City. A time of visitation and reviewal will be held from 4-7 PM; Monday, August 10, 2026, followed by a rosary at 7 PM, at the Swanson Funeral Chapel. There will also be a time of visitation one hour prior to the mass at the church and a rosary at 9:30 AM. All who knew her are welcome to come and pay their respects.

Memorials in Darlene's memory may be directed to:
A Place for You
220 3rd Ave SE
Pine City, MN 55063
https://apfy.org/

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

FuneralAndCremationService.com