Darla Jean Jackson
Darla Jean Jackson passed away April 22, 2026 at Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji, Minnesota after courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.
She was born May 5, 1946 to Arthur and Evangeline (Nee) Gulbranson at home in Bagley, MN. She attended elementary school in Bagley, MN. At the age of 9 her mother, Evangeline, was killed in a car accident. She graduated from McIntosh High School in 1964. She moved to Minneapolis and went to school to be a hairdresser. She married Donald Johnson on July 2, 1966 in Winger, MN. They lived in Minneapolis before moving to St. Hilaire, MN and living on a hobby farm. In 1971 their oldest son Eric Peter was born, followed by Matthew John in 1973 and daughter Rebecca Jean in 1975. She was a stay-at-home for many years. She was a lover of horses and all animals and had many on the farm. She once rescued a lamb (Dancer) after its mom died. Dancer thought she was one of the dogs, even lying on the couch and watching TV with the kids. She bowled on a team with some friends in Thief River Falls for fun. She belonged to the Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire often attending and hosting Bible Studies. She also helped her friend Connie at Twice But Nice in Thief River Falls. In 1982 the family moved to Bemidji, MN. She began working at the Twice But Nice store here and eventually bought it. She was at work just a couple of weeks ago doing what she loved and cherished for almost 43 years. She loved her store and all the many customers she met over the years. She married Robert Jackson. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Bemidji for years where she volunteered for many things. She became a grandmother and that was something she absolutely loved. She spent a lot of time thinking of things to do with the kids like giant Easter egg hunts, teaching them to ride horse (or at least trying) and spending countless hours cleaning a giant pool for them to swim in. She loved all her grandchildren very much and spoke very highly of them always. Her hobbies included riding horse, spending time with her dogs, gardening, crossword puzzles and she loved to dance. She was the most kind and caring mother we could have asked for.
She is survived by her son’s Eric (Christie) of Bemidji, Matthew of Laporte and daughter Rebecca (Tom) of Bemidji. Grandchildren Ashley (Jesse) Phillips (Harli and baby Jett), Zach Jackson, Breanna Davey (Cambre and Sydney), Austin (Jenny) McClellan (Adri and Easton), Taylor (Ben) Hendricks (Esme), Kyle Khloen, Alex Khloen, Ben (Kourtney) Moran (baby Khloe), Ryeley (Paige) Johnson, Jayden (Megan) Johnson, Tyler Moran, Olivia Johnson and Corey (Nora) Johnson. Sisters Linda Haedtke and Kathy (Neil) Christiansen, sisters-in-law Jill and Delores. Multiple nieces and nephews. Lifelong friends Becky Vesledahl and MaryAnn Wright. Her dogs Ollie and Fritz. And her horses Trinket and Scottie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother Ina, brother Orville Gulbranson, sister Joann Zahl, brothers-in-law Carsten Zahl and Pete Haedtke.
The family would like to thank all the staff at the Joe Lueken Cancer Center, Bemidji Ambulance Service, second floor nurses at Sanford Health and friend Rita Berry for all the rides. Each and every one of you made this journey a little easier and for that we are forever grateful. And an extra special thanks to our Aunt Linda who answered the call to come and be with us at this time. You are truly a blessing and were our rock the past couple of weeks… thank you so much!
Darla donated her body to the University of Minnesota Medical Research Center.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Beltrami County Humane Society.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, April 27, 2026 at Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Lunch will be served after the service at Scrambie's Trailside Tavern, 48220 Reserve Trail, Bemidji.