It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Darrel William TeKrony, 71, on December 18, 2024, at the hospital in Dell Rapids, SD.
Darrel was born on July 27, 1953, to Garret and Henrietta (Mulder) TeKrony in Clear Lake, SD. After graduating from Castlewood High School in 1971, he worked on the family farm outside of Castlewood, eventually taking over for his dad.  Darrel married Phyllis Wiese and together they had three children: Amber, Shantel, and Chris. Darrel taught his children to work hard, but also find ways to have fun and embrace nature through raising animals on the farm, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He especially loved riding horse, going to horse shows, attending rodeos, and proudly watched his children participate in their interests.
Darrel worked in industrial manufacturing in Watertown, SD, and after many years retired from Minnesota Rubber. Upon retirement, Darrel enjoyed spending his time on the farm, tending his many animals, his garden, flowers, and trees. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially having meals together and watching his grandchildren play. He moved to Gary, SD in 2019 and loved living there, always seeking ways to help his neighbors and friends.
Darrel loved watching baseball and high school and college-level football and basketball games, following these closely and giving his kids all the game details. Darrel had a great laugh, and humor was his strong suit. He was generous, caring, and friendly, and easily forged new friendships in Gary. Darrel was especially proud of his yard consisting of fruit trees, flowering trees, and flower beds.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Garret and Henrietta TeKrony. He is survived by his two daughters, Amber (Lucas) Nogelmeier of Watertown, SD, and Shantel (Justin) Ries of Castlewood, SD, and his son Chris TeKrony and fiancée Shania Jackan of Dell Rapids, SD; four grandchildren, Dylan Ries, Sophia and Miles Nogelmeier, and Hudson TeKrony-Spalding; his two sisters Dorothy (David) Van Haaften of Idaho Falls, ID, and Arlys (Kent) Van Groningen of Ripon, CA, and his brother Glen TeKrony of Estelline, SD.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 6, 2025, from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Geise Funeral Chapel in Castlewood, SD. Private memorial services will take place on January 7, 2025, leading to Darrel's final resting place at the Bemis Christian Reformed Cemetery.