Darrell "Curly" Dean Oelkers, 84, of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Rochester, Saint Marys Campus with his family by his side. He was born on October 31, 1940, in Wabasha, Minnesota to Arnold and Margaret (Sommers) Oelkers.

Darrell grew up in Keegan and would ride his horse to school in West Albany. Later the family moved to Zumbro Falls where he attended school. He graduated in 1958 from Lincoln High School in Lake City. While in school he worked at his dad's feed mill in Zumbro Falls.

Darrell married Virginia "Ginny" Anding on December 5, 1959, at Lincoln Trinity Lutheran Church. They lived in Zumbro Falls, Minneapolis, Byron, and then returned back to Zumbro Falls in 1978 where they lived out the remainder of their years. During his working career, he was employed by the Henn Brothers in Zumbro Falls, Venice Art Marble in Minneapolis, Brooks Construction in Byron, a Cement Contractor for 20 years, and at IBM in Rochester for 31 years.

In his younger years Darrell played baseball and was the catcher for the Zumbro Falls team. Darrell loved to hunt, fish, and play cards. He was seen frequently gambling spending his children's inheritance 'ha-ha'. Darrell was a gambling man he enjoyed his trips to the casino and believed that all roads lead to the Island. He was a hard-working man that lived independently and still cutting wood at 84 years old. He was always active in his community holding various roles including president of both Zumbro Falls Lions Club and Zumbro Falls Sportsman Club, he was also a member of the Zumbro Community Church.

Darrell is survived by his children, Dana (Erin) Oelkers and Dirk (Janelle) Oelkers of Zumbro Falls, Dodie (Jim) Jostock of Millville, and daughter-in-law, Darla Oelkers of Lake City; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Larry (Doris Jensen) Oelkers of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a son, Daniel, granddaughter, Demitria, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Jackson.

The family will host a Celebration of Life for Darrell from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, at the Zumbro Falls VFW on Hwy 60 in Zumbro Falls, with a Prayer Service to be held at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Dave Mohler officiating. A private family burial will be at a later date in the Millville Cemetery in Millville.