Darrel Walter Hinrichs
December 2, 1946 – June 13, 2024
Darrel Walter Hinrichs, 77, of Blair WI, and formerly of Waverly, IA died Thursday, June 13 at his home.
Darrel was born December 2, 1946 in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Walter and Margaret (Wedemeier) Hinrichs. He grew up on the family farm and attended high school in Tripoli where he was an accomplished athlete. He graduated in 1965 and then attended Wartburg College.
Darrel married Sheila Connell in 1966, and together they had 4 children Shannon, Ryan, Suzanne and Amanda. He farmed and worked for publishing companies in Waverly and Fort Dodge, Iowa, Minneapolis, and Winona, Minnesota.
Darrel married his high school classmate and friend Verla Panek (Zander) in 1993 and the couple lived in Humbolt where Darrel became a restaurant owner and shared his love of cooking. They enjoyed a vacation home they bought on Lake of the Ozarks and had many fun times fishing with family and friends. In 2010, Darrel and Verla moved to Waverly, Iowa where they retired to a life traveling, volunteering at church and community groups, and attending their grandkids’ events.
After losing Verla in 2020, Darrel moved to Wisconsin to be near family. He spent his final years admiring the crops in the rolling hills of Trempealeau County and watching sporting events of his grandchildren. He loved to fish, cook, read and was very proud of all his grandchildren.
Darrel is survived by his children, Shannon (Jane) Hinrichs of Lantry, SD, Suzanne Starczynski of Madison, WI, and Amanda (Steven) Killian of Blair, WI; step-sons, Jeff (Kathryn) Panek of Johnston, IA and John (Amanda) Panek of Bettendorf, IA; a brother, Dwight (Sandy) Hinrichs of Tripoli, IA; a sister, Judy Hinrichs of AZ; 19 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren along with nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Margaret Hinrichs; wife, Verla; brother, Donald Hinrichs; son, Ryan; and granddaughter, Maggie Hinrichs.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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