Obituary of Darrell Ekeren

Darrell “Goney” Ekeren, 90, of Mission Hill, SD passed away Thursday June 26, 2025, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Vangen Lutheran Church in Mission Hill with Vicar Brent Ashby officiating. Visitations will be from 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday July 2, 2025 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be at the Old Vangen Cemetery in Mission Hill. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com. Livestreaming of Darrell’s service can be viewed at. https://server.attend.live/static/event/qxVrr.

Darrell Wayne Ekeren was born on June 7, 1935, a first-generation American to a Norwegian immigrant father Olaf and an American-born Lucille (Warden) Ekeren.  He was baptized on May 23, 1937, and confirmed in 1949 at Vangen Lutheran in Mission Hill.  He graduated from the Devoe School #63 in Mission Hill. He then attended Gayville High School. 

He enlisted in the Army, serving from 1953 to 1957.  His basic training was at Ft. Riley, KS.  He served during the Korean conflict in Korea and Japan.  That is where he learned Japanese and would often be heard speaking Japanese phrases throughout his adult life. He received his GED in the service and attained the rank of staff sergeant.  He also served on the Army Reserve and Air Force Reserve.  He was a lifelong member of the Gayville American Legion #237, the Yankton VFW post 791, and Vangen Lutheran Church in Mission Hill.

He married his wife June Criswell on October 8, 1960, in Luverne, MN.  They lived and raised their five children in Mission Hill.  He worked for Baggs & Tamisiea as a truck driver for 30 years. He served on the Mission Hill Volunteer Fire Dept. He enjoyed watching and playing sports.  He played on different baseball and bowling teams and pool league.  His favorite teams were the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Twins, and the Minnesota Vikings.

He loved visiting with people and could strike up a conversation with anyone.  He enjoyed gardening, travel, camping and spending time with his family. 

Darrell is survived by his four children and spouses-Peg Ekeren of Hastings, NE, Laurie (Jeff) Heier of Rawlins, WY, Brian (Sara) Ekeren of Mexia, TX, and Keith (Shannon) Ekeren of Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren-Jesse (Anna) Erickson of Fort Worth, TX, Emily (Avery) Rothleutner of Gillette, WY, Zach Ekeren of Sioux Falls, SD, Parker Ekeren of Sioux Falls, SD, and Logan Ekeren of Sioux Falls, SD; and one great-grandchild, Leif Rothleutner of Gillette, WY.

Darrell is survived by siblings Marvin (Marilyn) Ekeren of Yankton, SD, Judy (Bob) Hackett of Yankton, SD, and James (Donna) Ekern of Titusville, FL; sister-in-law Helen Ekeren of Yankton, SD; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years June Ekeren, daughter Kathy Ekeren and son-in-law Craig Erickson; his parents Olaf and Lucille Ekeren; brothers Maurice, Robert, Milford, Gene, and Dennis Ekeren; sisters Bonnie Silvernail and Sharon Ekeren; sisters-in-law JoEtta, Kay, Rose, Janice, and Janet Ekeren; and brother-in-law Murry Lichliter.