Darrell Brecke

Funeral services for Darrell Brecke will be held at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville on Thursday, August 8, beginning at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 7, from 5 – 7 p.m., at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville and continue one hour prior to the Thursday service.

Darrell Edward Brecke was born on March 14, 1932, in Willmar, Minnesota to Edward Harold and Irene Alberta (Swenson) Brecke. He graduated from Willmar High School in 1950. On March 9, 1951, he entered the US Navy. He served during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged on March 5, 1955.

Darrell and Carol Paulson were united in marriage on October 9, 1951. To this union four children were born. Darrell's life long career was with NW Bell Telephone Company, which later became Qwest. He started as a lineman and advanced within the company, becoming a Branch Manager. Darrell worked in the communities of Willmar, Litchfield, Elk River, Sauk Centre, and Princeton before moving to Ortonville in 1967. He retired in 1986.

Darrell was a member of First English Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council and volunteered in other capacities. He was a Mason and a member of Kiwanis, where he served as President. Darrell was also Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Planning Commission.

Upon retirement, Darrell took up the game of golf, which he grew to love. He enjoyed duck and deer hunting and fishing. Summers found his family camping nearly every weekend, where Darrell serenaded all gathered around the campfire with his ukulele! Of utmost importance to Darrell was his family. He stayed involved in their lives, attending all events of his children and many of his grandchildren. His parenting motto was "Trust your kids, but turn around and check on them!" Darrell felt blessed to have had a loving wife for over 60 years. The twinkle in his eye and his great sense of humor will be missed.

Darrell died as the result of cancer on August 4, 2013 in the Ortonville Hospital, having reached the age of 81.

Left with his loving memory are: his wife, Carol Brecke of Ortonville; his mother, Irene Brecke of Spicer, MN; his children: Paula (Tom) Tobin of Ortonville; David (Jackie) Brecke of Wagner, SD; Rick Brecke of Plymouth, MN; Kelly Brecke of Plymouth, MN; and Sharon (Bill) Alexander of Thousand Oaks, CA; his grandchildren: Jena (Calvin) Schulte, Mitch Brecke, Samantha Brecke, Chad Brecke, Devon Brecke, and Dane Alexander; his great-grandchildren: Evan and Jackson Hausauer and Tayla, Madi and Hallie Schulte; his brothers: Paul (Sandy) Brecke of Eagan, MN, and Peter (Julie) Brecke of Atlanta, GA; and his sisters: Karen Berg of Spicer, MN, and Susan (Tony) Rime of Spicer, MN.

Darrell was preceded in death by his father; his granddaughter, Amanda Tobin; his grandson, Maxwell Alexander; and his brother, Dean.