Darlene "Dodo" Mary Madigan Monroe

Dar “Dodo” Madigan Monroe, 70, died Friday, February 25, 2022, at her beloved Mankato home. Dar was born October 5, 1951, in St. Paul, MN, and then was adopted by her loving parents, Evelyn and Dorsey Boblitt. Dar grew up on a farm in Norwood-Young America and would often talk about her love for animals.

After she graduated from high school in 1969, she began her life in Mankato, MN, with her son, Shayne. Dar created a life in Mankato full of friends, family, cooking, decorating, and rummage sales. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she would ensure that her gorgeous, historic Main Street home was lovingly adorned with a Christmas tree in every room. Dar was able to take any piece of furniture and “upcycle” and repurpose it before HGTV made it trendy. She was a pioneer in her decorating and always worked in three-inch heels with blonde hair that never left the 80s.

On April 3, 1987, Dar was blessed with the birth of her daughter, Jessica. Dar loved sewing special dresses for Jess and together they enjoyed talking every morning on the phone, shopping, and sharing in their love of crafting.

One of the most important parts of Dar’s life was when she became a grandma. Her grandkids lovingly referred to her as “Dodo” and Dar fit the extinct bird perfectly - she truly was one of a kind. Dodo attended all her grandchildren’s activities and took so much pride in all their accomplishments.

Dar is survived by her children, Shayne Narjes and Jessica (Kyle) Reedstrom; 6 grandkids, Brady, Bailey, Allie, Evan, Noah, and Rory; brothers, David (Judy) Boblitt and Kevin (Marcy) Boblitt; second husband, Paul Madigan; and nieces, nephews, and many friends who were like her family.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary. A celebration of life will be held at 1pm, Friday, March 4, 2022, at Crossview Covenant Church in North Mankato, MN. To view Dar’s video tribute and watch her service livestreamed, please visit www.mankatomortuary.com.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.