Ruth “Darlene” Carlstedt, age 92, of Red Oak, Iowa formerly Emerson, Iowa, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Red Oak Rehab and Care Center. Darlene was born June 7, 1934, in Griswold, Iowa, the daughter of Newberry “Newt” and Thelma (Blaney) Wright. She was raised near Carson, Iowa, graduating from Carson High School in 1951. She moved to Omaha where she worked as a secretary and she met her future husband, Bernard Carlstedt. They were united in marriage, and three children were born to this union: Erik, Anna, and Jane. The family lived in many different places throughout their marriage while Bernard was in the military. Darlene lived for many years in Emerson, Iowa, before moving to Red Oak. She worked for Thos. D. Murphy Co., the Emerson Café, K-Mart where she retired, and later CDS. Her hobbies included knitting, quilting, crocheting, doing word search puzzles, playing BINGO, and in her younger years enjoyed bowling. Darlene was a huge Elvis Presley fan and a John Wayne fan. She also had a fascination with penguins

Preceding her in death were her parents. Survivors include her children: Erik Carlstedt and wife Ruth of Orange County, CA; Anna Peterson of Bellevue, NE; and Jane Ball and husband Alan of Shelby, IA; grandchildren: Ruth Aptaker and husband Matthew of California; Nick Carlstedt and wife Brittany of California; John Carlstedt of California; Taylor Peterson of Bellevue, NE; and Thylin Carlstedt and wife Reese of Minneapolis, MN; great grandchildren: Miles, Chase, and Robbie Aptaker; Olive, Frank, and Bo Carlstedt; and Xitlalli Garcia; brother: Marion Wright and wife Donna of Oakland, IA; and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held from 10 AM until 11 AM on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak. Family and friends will process to the Emerson Cemetery at 11 AM for a graveside service.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.