Darrell A. Oberg

Darrell A. Oberg, age 87, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at his home in Grand Arbor.

A celebration of life gathering will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude with a time of sharing and full military honors at 3 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. The military honors are accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Lake Geneva Cemetery in Alexandria. 

Darrell Alex Oberg was born on February 19, 1937, to Alex and Lillian (Gissel) Oberg in Holmes City. He was the third of five siblings, growing up with three sisters and one brother. Following his birth, the family relocated to a small farm on Geneva Road in Alexandria, where he spent his formative years. Darrell attended Liberty School House until the eighth grade, and later earned his GED. He then worked diligently as a farmhand before proudly enlisting in the US Army in 1958, stationed in Alaska for nearly three years. On January 25, 1960, he married the love of his life, Jean, and together they created a loving family, welcoming their three children: Debra Lynn, James Darrell, and Jennifer Lee. In time, they purchased his family property and built a warm and welcoming home on Geneva Road, where countless memories were made. Darrell’s passion for trucking began with his brother Dalles and later became a lifelong pursuit for over 50 years. In 1975, he proudly purchased his first truck, earning the CB handle “Gold Duster.” He drove for several companies, including Land O’Lakes, Salto Enterprises, H. Boyd Nelson, Alex Rubbish, Didier Bros, Henry Foods, and Jerry Geris. Darrell loved many activities, including deer and goose hunting, camping, ice fishing, playing cards and dice games. If he was missing, you could often find him at the casino, enjoying the thrill of the game. A jack of all trades, he lived by the motto, “I can fix anything but a broken heart.” 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dorothy Metcalf and Darlene Engebretson; and brother, Dalles Oberg. 

Darrell is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jean; two daughters, Debbie (Tim) Fearing and Jenny (Brian) Kulzer; son, Jim Oberg; seven grandchildren, Jeremy (Kayla) Fearing, Josh (Kendra) Fearing, Jesslyn (Wade) Traphagen, Ryan (Kayla) Walsh, Jake Kulzer, Ellee (Reese) Bogatzki, and Stephanie (Kyle) Jaspersen; three step-grandchildren, Stephanie (JJ) Dahlhemier, Savanna (Derek) Steidl, and Jesse (Lindsey) Stanger; 13 great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; sister, Diana Towner; along with many nieces and nephews.

His family and friends will forever hold him in their hearts, remembering him for his quick wit and humor, which was often delivered with a playful edge. Darrell’s family would also like to thank the staff at Grand Arbor Senior Living and the Knute Nelson Hospice Care for their gentle and loving care. 

Honorary urn bearers will be his grandchildren.