Darrell A. Edelman: 1937-2022
Darrell A. Edelman, age 84 of Menno, S.D., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center. A funeral service was held Monday, Sept. 26 at Grace Lutheran Church, Menno, with Rev. Charles Stanga officiating. Burial was in the Menno Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the Rames-Bender American Legion Post #152 and the SDANGHG.
Darrell was born on Dec. 5, 1937 in Yankton, S.D., to Arthur and Eidella (Mueller) Edelman. He was the oldest of five children. He was baptized on May 1, 1938 at the Reformed Salem Congregation. He was confirmed in 1952 by the Reverend E. A. Bischoff at Grace Lutheran Church where he continued his faith throughout his remaining years.
After graduating from Menno High School in 1955, he served in the Army from 1959-1961. After successfully completing his service, he returned back to Menno to farm.
Darrell and Jeanene met while she was a waitress at a fun nightspot called the Substation south of Lesterville. After several weeks, he finally convinced her to go to a movie with him.
Darrell and Jeanene (Kutilek) were married 364 days later after that first date on January 26, 1963 in Tabor, S.D. and celebrated 59 years together. They lived their whole life on the farm north of Menno where they raised their three children. He enjoyed life by hunting, fishing, farming and attending his grandkids’ events.
He actively participated on numerous organizational boards throughout the years to include the Hutchinson County Fair Board, South Dakota Southeast Experiment Farm, Menno Farmer’s Elevator, Grace Lutheran Church Council, and Kassel Township Clerk. He was instrumental in bringing B-Y Water to the Menno area. Darrell was also honored by the Menno Area Jaycees as an Outstanding Young Farmer.
Darrell is survived by his wife Jeanene, son Del Ray (Trish) Edelman, daughter Jill (Robert) Sternhagen, and son Kevin (Lisa) Edelman, 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, brother Charles and sister Charlene, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Darrell is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Eidella Edelman, brother Curtis, sister Arthea and mother and father-in-law Emil and Josephine Kutilek.
