Darrel Hagen

Darrel was born on the farm in Malta township, Big Stone County, MN, to Martha (Weinman) Hagen and Eveard Hagen. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, Clinton, graduated from Clinton High School in 1957, and entered the army shortly after, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. He loved to share fond memories of milking cows and riding horses with his siblings - learning the value of hard work and dedication at a young age.

Darrel began the greatest journey of his life as a young soldier stationed in Germany, where he met the love of his life, Helga. Always the storyteller, Darrel loved sharing how he met Helga - as he was purchasing his breakfast at the army canteen where she was head cashier, and she said to him, “That will be $1.25, soldier.”

Their meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful life together built on unwavering love, devotion, faith, and family. From that moment forward, Darrel dedicated his life to creating a future centered life around the people he cherished most. He loved spending summers vacationing throughout the United States and Canada, and to Germany to visit Helga’s family. Darrel took pride in teaching his girls the love of the lakes - from fishing, boating and waterskiing. He enjoyed racing cars, traveling around Minnesota with the “The Little Deuce”.

He built a successful career in the propane industry through years of dedication and determination, and quickly became an industry expert. He was a highly sought after educator and speaker within the propane industry, and with this career he moved the family from Clinton to Fairmont, Alexandria, and finally to Rapid City, SD.

In Rapid City, he created a legacy grounded in hard work, integrity, and deep family values. He loved his horses, the open land, trail rides, country music, and grilling up good meals for those gathered around him. To Darrel, the best moments in life were the simple ones shared with family and friends.

He enjoyed riding his much loved red horse, Crystal, in the Black Hills with friends and family, always coming home with stories of wild adventures that continue to be cherished today. He enjoyed hunting elk in the mountains of Montana and Wyoming with his good friends.

Darrel built his life on the true love he shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, and the western lifestyle he held close to his heart. Darrel’s greatest pride was always his family. One of his favorite times of year was Christmas, when the whole family would gather together creating memories filled with laughter, stories, and love. Outside the ranch, his favorite moments were spent with his children and grandchildren. He connected deeply with each of them, loving with his full heart while passing down lessons, wisdom, and values that would guide future generations.

Darrel was a loyal friend and a gifted storyteller whose stories of life’s adventures could captivate everyone around him. Whether sharing memories around a fire, on a trail ride, or at the dinner table, he had a way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. His strong faith in Christ, our Lord and Savior, guided the way he lived his life — with humility, compassion, strength, and grace.

Later in life, Darrel and Helga retired to Arizona, where they embraced a new chapter together enjoying the RV park community and forming friendships with people from all over the country. He treasured those connections and the joy that came from meeting new people and sharing stories and laughter wherever he went.

Darrel also carried a deep love and appreciation for Helga’s family in Germany, especially her brother, Fritz, whom he held close in his heart throughout his life.

Family, no matter the distance, was always important to him. In his final moments, he said he was just so proud of his family and that he loved them so much.

Darrel will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, dedicated grandfather, and doting great-grandfather, faithful servant of God, hardworking rancher, loyal friend, and a man whose life was defined by love, faith, friendship and family. His legacy lives on in every lesson taught, every story shared, every holiday gathering, and every memory carried forward by those blessed to know and love him.

Darrel is survived by his wife, Helga. Daughters; Sylvia Thorstad, Audrey (Brian Spark) Hagen, Sonja (Kevin) Bosek and Brenda Hurlbert.

Siblings; Glennis Pomerenke, Dennis (Elsie) Hagen, Charles (Diane) Hagen, Arne (Judy) Hagen.

Grandchildren; Sarah (Edan) Meyer, Jennifer (Samuel) Rose, Daniel (Beth Hanson) Thorstad, Jonathan (JoAnna) Warrington, Lauren Warrington, Caitlyn (Chris) Van Damme, Lily Hurlbert, Kylie (Austin) Newgord, Samuel (Courtney Franta) Hurlbert.

Great-Grandchildren; Gretchen & Elliot Meyer, Keira & Vincent Rose, Evelyn & Everett Warrington, Clayton & Lainey Van Damme, Asher Schultz, Colten Newgord, Paisley Hurlbert.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Martha Hagen & Eveard Hagen. Brother Robert Hagen. Sister and brother-in-law Lois and Oliver (Bud) Jensen. Brother in-law Robert Pomerenke. Son in-law Leroy Thorstad. Grandson Hunter Schultz. Great-grandson Degen Meyer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman.

Inurnment at Lands Cemetery, Hoffman. 

Assisting the family with arrangements is Erickson-Smith Funeral Home.