Darrell Lynn Arntzen, a beloved figure in his community and a park ranger, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Bickford of Urbandale, Urbandale, Iowa. He was born on July 26, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Orie Edgar and Mary Priscilla (Murray) Arntzen. Darrell grew up in Iowa, graduating from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School with the class of 1962 before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree from Wartburg College in 1968.
Darrell’s career began in 1969 when he joined the Department of Natural Resources as a park ranger. He worked tirelessly, moving from park to park and eventually becoming the supervisor for Northeast Iowa until his retirement in 1999 from Nine Eagles Park. His love for the outdoors and commitment to his role was evident, and he cherished the friendships he formed over the years, especially with members of the “Say It Again Club” of retired park rangers.
In 2000, Darrell moved to Corning from Strawberry Point, Iowa. Since September 2024, he resided in Vintage Park, where he continued to engage with his community. He was well-known for his ornery sense of humor, being a practical joker, and his ability to make friends wherever he went.
Darrell had a love for the outdoors that extended beyond his professional life. He would travel to “In the Wilds Resort” in Northern Minnesota with family and friends each year to fish, restore cabins, and bond over shared experiences. He took great pride in his cabin he built by hand near Nine Eagles State Park and enjoyed joy riding in his Blue Dodge Dakota. Furthermore, he served on the Advisory Board for the Johnny Carson Birthplace and held various official capacities at Redeemer Lutheran Church. His interests included playing card games, feeding birds, storytelling, and watching Westerns and “Walker Texas Ranger”, while also being a history buff.
Darrell is survived by his daughter, Christy (Ed) Drake of Corning, Iowa; his son, Brent (Sherry) Arntzen of Urbandale, Iowa; four grandchildren, Jordan (Jenny) Drake, Marissa (Cameron) Kiner, Blake Arntzen, and Emily Arntzen; two great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Brady Kiner; his brother, Gary Arntzen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his brother-in-law, Dick Raddatz of Anamosa, Iowa; his nephew, Jay (Tracy) Arntzen; his niece, Julie (Craig) McCaw; his nephew, Jamie (Melanie) Arntzen; and his nephew, Chad Raddatz, along with other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Arntzen; his brother, Hal (Sharon) Arntzen; his sister-in-law, Toots Raddatz; and his parents, Orie Edgar and Mary Priscilla (Murray) Arntzen.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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