Darrel P. Wenzel of Rapid City, SD passed away on October 6, 2023, at home due to complications of esophageal cancer.

Darrel was born in Gregory, SD on May 22, 1936.  He attended Chamberlain High School from 1950 to 1954, Black Hills State College from 1966 to 1970, where he obtained a bachelor's degree, and Northern State College from 1974 to 1976, where he obtained his master's degree. Darrel served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1954 to 1962 and worked at the Homestake Gold Mine from 1966 to 1970.  After that, he worked for the State of South Dakota as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from 1970 to 2003.  Darrel never met a stranger and was renowned for his outgoing and friendly nature.  He was a devoted husband and family man. His fondest memory is of a recent family reunion in Las Vegas. He was always on the go and enjoyed a variety of activities, over the years, such as hunting, bowling, softball, golf, and travel. On June 19th, 1962, he married the love of his life, Deanne Steilen.

Darrel is survived by his wife, Deanne Wenzel; son Dan Wenzel; daughter Doreen Wenzel; daughter Debbie Wenzel and her husband Al Higgins; son Doug Wenzel and his wife Stasha Hornbeck; grandchildren Jakir Wenzel, Justine Higgins, Josh Higgins, Maiya Wenzel, Everett Wenzel, Justus Wenzel, Julia Shrivastava, Kimberly Shrivastava, Aria Wenzel, and Evelyn Wenzel; sister Peggy Arkins.  Darrel was a beloved father grandfather and brother; he was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Oleva Wenzel; brother Damon Wenzel; brother Dean Wenzel; daughter Darla Wenzel; daughter-in-law Diana Wenzel.  A memorial service honoring the life of Darrel will be held on October 12th, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City, SD.  Family and friends are invited to come and celebrate the life of Darrel.  Memorials in Darrel's honor can be sent to Black Hills Works Foundation, 514 Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701 or online at
https://www.blackhillsworks.org/donate/.