Darrell Dean Simonsen, age 77, of Lake Benton, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday November 25, 2021, on his farm in Lake Benton. A memorial visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at the Hartquist Funeral Home – Tyler Chapel with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hartquist Funeral Home – Tyler Chapel.
Darrell Dean Simonsen was born September 7, 1944 to Alfred and Bertha (Speed) Simonsen in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He was baptized at Excelsior Methodist Church in Milford, Iowa, and confirmed at Grand Meadow Methodist Church in Grand Meadow, Minnesota. Darrell grew up in Milford on the family farm. During his childhood he was active in track and field and enjoyed waterskiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. He also helped his father on the farm. Darrell graduated from Milford Community School on May 28, 1963. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army on July 2, 1968. Darrell earned the rank of a sergeant and served in Vietnam as a member of the 101st Infantry. He was honorably discharged on March 31, 1970. After his service, Darrell was united in marriage to Rebecca Bowman on June 13, 1972, in Milford. Together they were blessed with five children and made their home in Lake Benton, Minnesota. The couple parted ways after 25 years of marriage. He met Delores Tolhurst in 2003, and the two went on to share the following 18 years. In addition to farming until 1996, Darrell worked as maintenance at a turkey plant in Marshall, Minnesota from 1988 to 2003. From 2003 to 2005, Darrell worked at the Tyler Golf Course, and then returned to the turkey plant in Marshall until 2018, when he retired at the age of 74 years. Darrell passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021, at the age of 77 years, two months, and 18 days.
Darrell enjoyed farming, woodworking, doing mechanical repairs, riding horses, watching John Wayne movies and western shows, camping with his family, and going to Saddle Horse Holiday in Lake Benton. Darrell loved going to the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa, where he would watch chuck wagon races. He also enjoyed going to Slayton, Minnesota, to watch Belgian Draft Horse Pulls. Darrell was happiest being together with his family whether it was a holiday or just for fun. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and for always goofing around with his friends and family.
Darrell is survived by his fiancée, Delores Tolhurst of Balaton, Minnesota; children, Tanya Duppong of Lake Benton, Jeremy Simonsen of Lake Benton, Wesley (Michael Fransen) Simonsen of San Fransisco, California, and Lee Simonsen of Ghent; sister, Sharon (Darold “Lefty”) Coulter of Lamberton, Minnesota; grandchildren, Zachery Duppong, Tristen Simonsen, Connor Simonsen, and Landon Simonsen; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Bertha Simonsen; son, Daniel Simonsen; and sister, Josephine Beving.
