Darell Denich

Denich

Darell Dean Denich

Apr. 23, 1935 – Jun. 1, 2019

Darell Dean Denich, 84, Minot and formerly of Rugby, went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 1, 2019.

Darell was born on April 23, 1935 to Nick “Frank” and Matilda Bokovoy Denich and raised on a farm near Kief, ND.

Darell graduated from Kief High School in 1953 and from North Dakota State University with a degree in Agriculture in 1957. He began employment with the North Dakota Extension Service and served as Assistant County Agricultural Agent in Minot and Bismarck before accepting the position of Pierce County Agricultural Agent in Rugby, ND in 1961. Darell and his wife Darleen moved to Minot in 2000.

Darell married Darleen Mattis of Carson on June 16, 1961 in Bismarck, ND. They had two sons David Denich of Rugby, and Duane Denich of Eagan, MN, and granddaughter Dessa Denich of Rugby. As County Agent Darell conducted educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, and 4-H. During his tenure he received numerous state and regional awards in the public information program, and wrote over 1,600 weekly “Down to Earth” news columns in the Pierce County Tribune. Darell also received two national awards and was honored with the state Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his accomplishments.

He retired from the extension service after serving for 35 years.

He belonged to various professional, civic, and church organizations and served in various office capacities. He took pride in organization and persistence to “get the job done right” in everything he did.

Darell received the Lord as personal savior during daily vacation Bible school. He was baptized at the age of 15 and joined the Kief Mennonite Brethren Church. Later he became a member of the Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in Rugby, and the First Baptist Church in Minot.

He served on various church ministries and boards including the Deacon Board, choir, and usher. He loved quartet music and sang bass in the XYZ quartet at First Baptist.

Darell was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and friend to many.

He is survived by his wife Darleen, sons David and Duane, granddaughter Dessa, sister Glorine Denich Hunt of Rapid City, SD, and brother-in-law Elmer (Bonnie) Mattis of Carson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Marilyn Denich, sister Ardyth Denich, brothers-in-law Reverend Charles Hunt and Lawrence Lee, niece Roxanne Murphy, sister-in-law Arleen Mattis (Emmett “Bud”) Gillaspie, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staffs at South Ridge Clinic, Trinity Cancer Care, Trinity Hospital, and Minot Health and Rehab for the care they provided to Darell.

Funeral: Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND

Visitation: Wednesday, June 5, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in First Baptist Church, Minot.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com