Darrell Brogren

Darrell Brogren, 76 of Wahpeton, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.  A memorial service will be held at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm, with visitation one hour before the service.

Darrell Virgil Brogren, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, at the age of 76. He was born March 12, 1948, to Virgil and Margaret Brogren. Darrell was one of seven children. Darrell is preceded in death by his loving faithful wife, Susan Marie Brogren on September 10, 2013, his parents Virgil and Margaret Brogren, and his brother Dean Brogren. He is survived by his son Jon Brogren of Fargo, ND, daughters Sarah Abel of Breckenridge, MN, Paula Hahn of Las Vegas, NV, and Teresa (Mark) Browning of Sierra Vista, AZ., sisters Marlene (Jack) Burkel, Marlys (Darwin) Leach, Corinne Brogren, and brothers Curtis (Kris) Brogren and Randy (Linda) Brogren.

He leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Jessica (Erik) Larson, Daniel (Gusty) Abel Jr., Aaron (Brooke) Abel, Christifer (Jessica) Luebke, Joshua Luebke, Paige Luebke, Elizabeth (Aaron) Lanning, Anna Browning and Jordan Browning and 13 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Darrell developed a strong work ethic at a young age, working on his uncle Bobby’s farm from his early years. This instilled in him a deep appreciation for the value of hard work. At the age of 18, Darrell married the love of his life, Susan Marie Brenna. Together they raised four children, Jon, Sarah, Paula, and Teresa whom they loved dearly. He had a passion for carpentry and woodworking and spent countless hours in his workshop, creating, teaching, and sharing his talents with his children and grandchildren, passing down his legacy of valuable skills. He and Susan were a great team, planning, creating, re-imagining, and restoring what some would call “junk” into extraordinary treasures to give as gifts for family and friends. 

Darrell was a kind and generous man and deeply devoted to his faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17) (1 John 4:15). He enjoyed studying his bible and taught Sunday school for many years so he could share his love for Jesus with those around him (1 John 4:9-11). Darrell was someone who always thought of others before himself. He exemplified Christian humility by not only sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with everyone, but also living a humble life and esteeming others better than himself (Philippians 2:3-4). Darrell was very social and known for his love of telling jokes and playing pranks on his loved ones, and for his enjoyment of card games and western movies. He never met a stranger that he could not call friend. Those friends became an extension of what he considered family.

His grandchildren were his life and legacy and he invested much of his time sharing his love of carpentry and woodworking with them. He loved going to their functions, taking them fishing, camping, and loved to spend time teaching them valuable life skills. He diligently cared for Susan and happily provided for her in her final years in poor health. He is rejoicing to be reunited with her again in Heaven. He loved his sisters and brothers very much and would try to keep in contact with them regularly. He was a great father to his children, a wonderful brother, uncle and the best “Bapa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the one friend you always wanted in your life. To say he will be missed is an understatement. He touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering faith in God.