Dr. Darrell Dean Wiener, 88, of Le Mars, Iowa, went home to be with his Lord on July 5, 2025, after four plus years of fighting cancer.
Darrell was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on January 15, 1937, the son of Albert and Elda (Ludwig) Wiener. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He grew up in the Merrill area where he attended country schools in Stanton Township and graduated from Merrill High School in 1955. In 1954, Darrell joined Company K, 133rd Infantry, of the Iowa National Guard. Darrell proudly served his country for eight years, attaining the rank of Specialist. He received an honorable discharge in September of 1962. The flag flying at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Le Mars from May 26 to November 10, 2024, was in honor of Darrell’s service to his country. He was presented with a “Quilt of Valor” on June 10, 2024.
Darrell was united in marriage to Janet Bengtson on June 22, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church – Bliedorn, rural Grand Mound, Iowa. To this union, four children were born: Joleen, Susan, David, and Julie.
Mr. Wiener earned his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1959, with a major in Business Administration and Economics with a teaching endorsement. He earned his master’s degree in business education from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri, in 1963. He earned his Doctor of Education (EdD) from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, in 1973, with a major in business education and a continued emphasis in teaching.
Dr. Wiener taught Business Education in high schools in LeGrand, IA, Iowa Falls, IA, and Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL. He also taught Business Education at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, IA, Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL (Graduate Assistant), Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS, Wayne State College in Wayne, NE, and Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE. He retired from teaching in 1986 to begin a career in farming.
Darrell and his brother, Lee, then embarked on a career in farming, forming D & L Wiener Ptn. They worked with three brothers, Ernie, Mike, and Randy. During the following years, Ernie and Randy passed away. Mike continued farming for two more years, retiring in 2016. Darrell and Lee retired from farming in 2018.
Darrell’s faith was a vital part of his life. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Le Mars, Iowa, where he served on the Church Council and various committees. Darrell enjoyed reading, creating diamond art, gardening, outdoor activities, and fishing, as well as spending time with his family. Dr. Wiener was an inspiring son, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Dr. Wiener is survived by his wife of 67 years, Janet; his four children: Dr. Joleen Gorman of Fort Payne, AL, Susan (Gene) Radke of Ord, NE, David Wiener of Logan, IA, and Julie (Steffan) Baker of Ord, NE; grandchildren: Zachary (Alyssa) Radke, Erinn (Derek) Akers, Evan (Melissa) Baker, Amanda (Brad) Hallock, Alexis (Jesse) Gaylor, Dr. Ariana Gorman, Easton Gorman, Elizabeth (Will) Greer, and James (Heather) Wiener; 7 great grandchildren: Toby and Bene Baker, Ava Wiener, Brayden Greer, John Baker, Rielly Poorbear Baker and Morgan Wiener; his brothers: Leland Wiener of Le Mars, IA, Arnold (Kelly) Wiener of Nemaha, IA; his sisters: LaVonne and Arlene Wiener of Le Mars, IA, Marylyn Muecke of Hinton, IA, Elaine (James) Droegmiller of Cushing, IA, and Pat (James) Verrips of Sheldon, IA; his sister in law, Doris Wiener of Burnsville, MN; and several nieces and nephews.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Elda Wiener; 6 brothers: Ernest, Thomas, Michael, Randall, James, and Carmen; his sister, Glenda Wiener; son in law, Robbie Gorman; daughter in law, Diane Wiener; grandson, Colin Baker; and a brother-in-law, Don Muecke.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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