Darrel Reutzel

Darrel Joseph Reutzel, age 83, of rural Winona, MN, passed away Friday, September 27, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System - Sparta, WI, with his family by his side.

Darrel was born May 7, 1941, in Swea City, IA, the son of Henry J. and Anna V. (Matheis) Reutzel. He was a 1959 graduate of Fairmont High School.

On September 21, 1963, Darrel was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nancy Marie Froemel at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Good Thunder, MN.

Early in his career, Darrel worked in retail management. Darrel retired from Badger Foundry in Winona after 33 years of employment. He played in many polka bands for over 45 years, mostly Red’s Polka Band and Tim’s Polka Band, with Darrel on the trumpet and Nancy on the accordion. Following retirement, he worked with his sons at RiverCity Manufacturing.

He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, garage sales, and the occasional trip to the casino. The many fishing trips to Baudette with his family and playing music at the lodge provided a lifetime of memories he cherished. He loved tinkering in his shed and took pride in his three tractors. Playing card games, especially 500, and making the best popcorn were a couple of his many highlights with his family.

Darrel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Reutzel; five children: Susan (Tyrone) Edens of Whitestown, IN, Steve (Kris) Reutzel of Winona, MN, Karen (Kevin) Almendinger of Stacy, MN, Kevin (Heather) Reutzel of Winona, MN, and Kathy (Rich) Pangier of Inver Grove Heights, MN; 11 grandchildren: Hope and Paige Edens, Brandon and Morgan Reutzel, Miranda (Chase) Webber, and Conrad Almendinger, Brogan and Keaton Reutzel, and Ryan, Cole, and Parker Pangier; twin sister, Darlene (Joseph) Singer of LeSueur, MN, and sister, Lorraine Szuberski of Fairmont, MN; sisters-in-law: Renee Reutzel, Margie Reutzel, Patricia Bement, and Rosemary (Bob) Foster; brother-in-law, Gary (Cindy) Froemel; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Erv (Dorothy), Harvey, Richard, and Robert Reutzel; brothers-in-law: Ray Szuberski and David Bement.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11:00am Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Winona, MN, with Deacon Justin Green officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful care that Darrel received from Dr. Edward Malone and staff at the Mayo Hospital in La Crosse. We would also like to thank the Mayo Clinic Health System - Sparta staff for their support, kindness, and care for Darrel and his family.