Darell L. Marquardt, 76, passed away at his farm surrounded by family on October 15, 2022. Darell was born the oldest of three children to Herbert E. and Dorothy R. (Murray) Marquardt on December 22, 1945 in Julesburg, CO.
The family lived south of Venango, NE until Darell was 5. At that time they moved to a farm 12 miles south of Julesburg, CO. Darell started first grade at Rolling Prairie School District #1, a country school about a mile from the farm. He attended school there through the 8th grade until the country school closed and students enrolled in Julesburg. Darell graduated in 1964 from Julesburg High School. He then attended and graduated from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. While in college, Darell joined the Colorado National Guard, serving six years.
In high school, Darell met Deann Montgomery on a blind date. The couple later married on May 1, 1966. They made their home on a farm near Darell’s family’s farm south of Julesburg. It was here that the couple welcomed their first child, Kimberly, into the family. In 1969, the couple moved to North Platte, NE where Darell hired on to the Union Pacific Railroad and their marriage was blessed with two more children, Jason and Marla. Darell and Deann purchased their dream home along Hwy 30 in North Platte and worked tirelessly on the farm. While running the farm, Darell continued to work as a locomotive engineer for 37 years.
Darell had farming in his blood. As a boy he was involved in 4-H and once raised 250 hogs for an FFA project. When he purchased his own farm he expanded his interest and raised chickens, sheep, longhorn cattle as well as hogs. He loved raising hay and seeing all the beautiful bales lined up in rows after the final cutting. In the winter, he enjoyed pulling the grandkids on a car hood behind the pick-up across the empty corn fields. Darell was a hard worker so he took on many other jobs besides farming and railroading. Throughout his life he worked at a saw mill, horse plant, fertilizer plant, setting up mobile homes and even as a taxi driver in North Platte. At one time he partnered with family to open Evergreen Auction Service where he was an auctioneer. Darell believed in giving back to others and his community. He was a member of the Lincoln County Fairboard for a number of years and judged rabbits in the poultry group. In addition he was a member of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse and was currently serving on the North Platte Fireboard. Darell was a devout Christian and served as an elder at Our Reedemer Lutheran Church for a number of years.
Darell was proceeded in death by his wife, Deann Marquardt and parents, Herbert and Dorothy Marquardt. Those left to cherish Darell’s memory are his children, Kimberly Dee (Jerry) Denison of Centennial, CO, Jason Darell (Heather) Marquardt of Sutherland, and Marla Jo (Greg) Vang of North Platte; grandchildren, Aaron Buckelew, Jeremy (Brett) Denison, Kyle Denison, Kennedy (Kevin) Starling, and Daisha Deann Marquardt; great-grandchildren, J.J. Denison, Jace Vang, Keeton Vang, Everleigh Miller, Gary and Patrick Lehl, and Shelby Buckelew; sisters, Carolyn Smith of Denver, CO, and Bonnie VanCura of North Platte; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be announced soon. Carpenter Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.