Darrell Harer

View Darrell's Tribute Video

Darrell Fred Harer, 91, of rural Hoven, as a baptized child of God, passed to his home in heaven on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.      

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 30, 2015 at Emmanual Lutheran Church, Gettysburg with Rev. Peter Utecht presiding. Burial followed in Pembroke Cemetery, rural Hoven.

Darrell was born December 21, 1923 to Fred and CeCelia (Jost) Harer in Pierre, South Dakota. Born as a twin, both weighing a combined total of 5 lbs. and small enough to fit in a shoe box, he continued to live a full life to one month shy of turning 92 years old.   Darrell was baptized in a home before the Pembroke Zion Lutheran Church was built where he was later confirmed in 1938.

As a youth, Darrell attended Arena country school near Hoven through 8^th grade, riding a horse to school with his brother each day. Later, as an adult, he served on the Arena school board. He attended Gettysburg High School and graduated in 1942. Following graduation, he farmed with his father and brother making that his lifelong career. Later his son and grandson joined in the operation . Eventually, raising registered Angus cattle became part of the business and was a great source of enjoyment for him. After retirement at age 81, he found pleasure in the upkeep of the farmstead and was especially known for his love of mowing resulting in the attractive appearance of the home place. His collection of mowers was enviable.

Throughout his life, Darrell enjoyed sports. He was especially passionate about baseball, playing on teams for both Hoven and Gettysburg for many years. He was a golfing member at the country clubs in both towns and played on the bowling leagues as well.

It was on June 15, 1949 that Darrell married Norma Stockstad at Christ Lutheran Church in Lebanon, South Dakota. Living an example of Christian love and devotion as husband and wife, they celebrated their 66^th anniversary this year. From this union came four children, fourteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom are their pride and joy. Throughout the majority of their life together, they attended Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, South Dakota where Darrell served in official roles as an elder and Sunday School teacher but was always willing to help wherever needed and was supportive of Norma during all her years as organist. Together, they enjoyed extensive travels around the world and spent twenty-eight years of the winter months in Carpinteria, California.    

Survivors include his beloved wife, Norma, and their children: Monty (Lori) Harer of rural Hoven, Mary Kay (Phil) Wilson of Elm Springs, SD, Nancy (Alister) Mathieson of Mississauga Ontario Canada, and Janine (Grant) Drenkow of Loveland, CO; his grandchildren: Leslie (Brian) Cooper, Kimberly Harer, Justin (Heidi) Harer, Amy (Josh)Wolberg, Beth (David) Laschinger, Patrick (Lane) Wilson, Pam (Matt) Tesch, Mark (Brianne) Mathieson, Rachel Mathieson, Matthew (Tara) Mathieson, Michael Mathieson, Brittany Drenkow, Nathan Drenkow, and Allison Drenkow; great-grandchildren: Mary, Sam and Emma Wolberg, Wyatt Cooper, Penny Laschinger, Sutton Harer, and Lucas Tesch; one sister-in-law: Norma (Mrs. Donald) Harer of Gettysburg; and AFS daughter, Veneta Forrest of New Zealand.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and CeCelia, and brother, Donald.

In his many roles as husband, father, grandfather, uncle, provider, and friend, he exemplified the true definition of a great man. While Darrell is no longer with us, his example of kindness, patience, honesty, generosity, and love will live on and be remembered by all who knew him.

Memorials will be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gettysburg and the American Cancer Society.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Darrell’s arrangements.