Darrel Hestdalen

To join Darrel's family for his Life Celebration Service please click on the Live-Stream Link below his obituary.

Darrel Hestdalen, 77, of Fargo, ND, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in his home under the care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Darrel Wayne Hestdalen was born in Breckenridge, MN, on October 15, 1945, to Olaf and Olivia (Lotzer) Hestdalen. He was the youngest of six children by 13 years and was therefore essentially an only child growing up in Abercrombie, ND, in an idyllic childhood setting, spending much time outdoors with cousins and friends in all seasons.  He also had fond memories of playing football, basketball, and baseball through his high school years. Darrel then attended Concordia College and graduated in 1967 with degrees in biology and education.

Darrel met Cheeri Lyngaas on New Year’s Eve 1964 at the Pavilion in Breckenridge and they were married August 10, 1968. After their marriage, he and Cheeri moved to Elgin, ND, where they taught and he coached football and basketball, including a championship season.  In 1974, they moved to Apple Valley, MN, in order for Darrel to attend Northwestern College of Chiropractic and that same year, daughter Kirsten was born.  Upon completion of his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, they moved to Dickinson, ND, to establish his practice and that same year, son Jans joined the family. Darrel furthered his education by achieving diplomas in applied kinesiology and in acupuncture. He also specialized in nutrition as part of his patient care.  In 1996, Darrel and Cheeri relocated to Fargo, ND.

Darrel was a skilled woodworker, having worked in carpentry for many years. He built a shop behind the garage in Dickinson to work on his projects. Several of his handmade pieces are still in use today  He also provided his family with wonderful vacation memories, including many national parks, skiing trips, visiting both coasts, Hawaii, and Germany.

Darrel continued his enjoyment of the outdoors with camping, hunting, and Boundary Waters canoe trips. He was also actively involved with Boy Scouts for several years as Jans obtained his Eagle Scout  He was a skilled shortstop and switch-hitter for men’s softball leagues for many years and rarely missed a match, meet, or game of Kirsten or Jans. Darrel logged thousands of miles, both on his bicycle and his Goldwing. A favorite excursion was biking to Medora (from Dickinson) and then biking “the loop” in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. He also participated in biking across North Dakota during the state’s centennial.

Darrel faithfully served as usher, council member, class facilitator, and other positions at churches throughout his life. More recently, he benefitted from Men’s Fraternity at Bethel and Bible Study Fellowship. His worldview and daily life exhibited his walk with the Lord.

Darrel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cheeri, daughter, Kirsten and her children, Cora, Peter, and Anders, and son, Jans (Tiffeny) and their children, Reegan and Rafe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and five siblings, Melford, Irene, Orton, Olaf Jr, and Deolyn.

A Celebration of Darrel’s Life will be 12:00 PM, Monday, February 13, 2023, in Bethel Church, Fargo, with a Gathering of Family and Friends one hour prior to the Celebration.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)