Darel Boerner

A funeral service for Darel Wendell Boerner, age 87, of Winner, SD, was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Winner Methodist Church. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Mason Funeral Home of Winner was in charge of arrangements. Darel Wendell Boerner was born August 15, 1938, in Winner, SD, to Wendell and Elsie (Wolf) Boerner. He was later joined by a sister, Marian, in 1939 and a brother, Boyd, in 1941. Darel grew up on the family farm and attended Pleasant Valley school through the 8th grade. Beginning in 9th grade he attended Winner High School, boarding with Mrs. Alice Olson during the week. After that year, he was able to drive himself and his younger siblings back and forth. His sophomore year he worked after school at the JC Penney store while his sister Marian sat in the shoe department doing homework until he was off and they could drive home. Darel graduated from Winner High School in 1956. He then attended South Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor of Science (with High Honor) Degree in Agriculture. During his time at SDSU he joined the ROTC program on campus. After graduating from college in 1960, he was drafted into the army and served the required two years at Fort Lewis in Washington. While stationed there, he specialized in artillery training.

Darel then returned to Winner, dedicating the remainder of his life to the Boerner farm, where he worked alongside his dad, his brother, and eventually numerous nephews. Darel served as clerk for the Pleasant Valley Township for many years. He was also a member of the Winner American Legion Post 169 and the Winner Community Playhouse. In September 2025 he suffered a bad fall while getting off a tractor. The subsequent hospital and nursing home stay became too much for him to overcome.

Darel was a kind, intelligent, and unassuming man. He was a hard worker who spent his life helping to build and maintain a successful farm, one that has spanned five generations. His commitment to working the land was not just for himself, but for the good of his family as well. Darel was always happy to see family, quick with a smile and always ready to share in a good laugh. He enjoyed reading; Louis L’amour and Zane Grey novels were favorites. Darel was known to be a heck of a good shot and never missed a great pheasant hunt, or even a bad one. He always looked forward to opening weekend, when many family members came to hunt at the farm. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Darel passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.

Darel is survived by his sister, Marian (Don) Van Cleave; his brother, Boyd Boerner; nephews David (Chris) Van Cleave, Kevin Van Cleave, Russ (Jacque) Boerner, Ken (Susan) Boerner, Dale (Arianne) Boerner; nieces Deb (Doug) Smith, Kathy (Ryan) Riedy, Audra (Scott) Ebert, and Carrie (Matt) Davis; numerous great-nieces and -nephews; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wendell and Elsie, sister-inlaw Rose Boerner, and great-nephew Devon Senter.