Darlene Gleesing, Nursing Graduation

In an unconventional move, Darlene Tyson proposed to Lyle Gleesing before his deployment in 1952. While building a life together and raising two teenagers, Darlene pursued her nursing education. On March 5, 1959, Darlene graduated and received her nursing pin. She began working as an LPN in the Grand Rapids, MN, clinic. The Gleesing’s continued to live happily and actively in Coleraine near Grand Rapids, before finding their retirement haven on the shores of Round Lake near Ottertail. When their health needed extra care, granddaughter Heidi Coleman, a registered nurse, left the suburbs of Minneapolis to support them in their home.

Eventually, Darlene and Lyle moved to the Hadley House in Perham. In 2022, at 90 years of age, Lyle peacefully passed. Darlene and Lyle were married 69 years. Darlene later moved into Perham Living’s Harvest Glen where her granddaughter, Heidi, now works as a registered nurse.

A Nursing Tradition

Milli Phillips, Nursing Graduation

Darlene loved her career as a nurse. When asked if she had always wanted to be a nurse? she immediately replied ‘yes!’  Inspired by her grandmother, Vera, who served as a nurse in International Falls, MN, Darlene embraced the calling, adding that Vera was taught in-home as there were no schools for nursing in northern Minnesota at that time. With glossy eyes, Darlene fondly remembers that her grandmother was very proud of her for graduating from nursing school. Darlene was able to experience that same proud feeling when her granddaughter, Heidi, graduated with her RN degree.

Heidi Coleman, RN, in grandmother’s nurse uniform

Earning her registered nurse degree, Heidi follows her mother, Milli, an LPN at the VA in St. Cloud, her grandmother, Darlene, an LPN, and her great-great-grandmother, Vera, a home-schooled nurse.

Heidi’s career path was realized while witnessing the care provided by hospice nurses to her mother. In that transformative moment, Heidi knew nursing was her calling. Heidi says her daily interactions with the residents at Perham Living bring fulfillment and joy. The bonds formed, the shared life experiences, and the wisdom gained from the elderly residents resonate deeply with Heidi. Most importantly, she absolutely loves being able to visit with her grandmother, Darlene, almost every day.

Connecting The Past And Present

The journey of caregiving had an unexpected surprise when Heidi discovered her grandmother’s original nursing pin and nurse uniform. Realizing there were no pockets, she asked how nurses at that time carried everything. Her grandmother’s deadpanned look quickly changed to laughter as their conversation continued on.

Heidi and Darlene on Halloween 2023

Having kept it in pristine condition all these years, Heidi decided to wear her grandma’s uniform to work this past October for Halloween.

Her grandmother’s reaction to her ‘costume’ was more than expected. Heidi watched her grandmother‘s face light up as she said, “That’s mine; my name; my school pin!” The joy and happiness that came from seeing her grandmother made for an unforgettable special moment.

When asked how she felt about seeing Heidi in her old nursing outfit, Darlene said, “overwhelmingly happy.” Eyes brimming with tears over her smile, Darlene looked at Heidi with pride. Joy and nostalgia welled up as happy memories surfaced, flooding her thoughts.

Full nurse uniform

Throughout the day, Heidi received many compliments and comments from the residents, such as: ‘that’s a sign of a real nurse’, ‘I wore a uniform just like that’, and ‘reminds me of someone who took care of me when I was young’. For Heidi, witnessing the happy memories of the residents was the most rewarding part.

Make a Difference Serving Others

“CNAs, LPNs, and RNs are an essential part of our residents’ care team,” Heidi commented. “Each position provides residents with physical care and emotional support and truly makes a difference in the lives of our residents and their families. I could not think of a more rewarding and worthwhile career.”

Learn about Perham Living careers at www.perhamhealth.org/careers/ or call 218-347-1311.

About Perham Health 

Perham Health is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with three primary care clinics, a 96-bed nursing home, home health care agency, adult day services, memory care assisted living, and senior housing.  The medical staff consists of 24 physicians, a nurse midwife, 14 advance practice clinicians, and three chiropractors. Visit perhamhealth.org to learn more.