Darrell Lee Andresen Jr., 71, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at home.

Darrell Lee Andresen Jr. was born on February 26, 1955 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Darrell Lee Sr. and Mary Louise (Winekauf) Andresen.  He grew up on a farm in Baldwin and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1973. The values he learned in his early years stayed with him throughout his life.  After high school, he attended Iowa State University in Ames, where he made lifelong friends known as the “Niles House Men,” a group he remained close to throughout the years. Though his time at Iowa State was brief, the friendships he formed there endured and became an important part of his life.

Darrell left Iowa State early to pursue a career with the railroad, beginning a long and dedicated working life that reflected his strong work ethic and commitment. He spent 38 years with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, which later became Union Pacific Railroad, and he retired in 2015. Even after retirement, he continued to stay active by working for RailPros, where he assisted with a variety of railroad-related needs. For most of his life, he also worked as an auctioneer with Midwest Appraisers and Liquidators, a role that reflected both his knowledge and his ability to connect with others.

On April 8, 1978, Darrell married Charlene Lerch in Anamosa, Iowa, and together they built a loving home and family. Three children were born to this union, Michael, Megan, and Matthew, and Darrell took great pride in being their father.

Darrell was a man who enjoyed life’s pleasures and made time for the things he loved. He had a deep love of fishing and even owned the North Shore Lodge in Canada for one year. After selling the lodge to his sister and brother-in-law, he continued to return to Eagle Lake in Canada each year, where he found peace and happiness on the water. He also enjoyed playing Euchre and watching television.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Charlene Andresen of Maquoketa, IA; children, Michael (Amy) Andresen of St. Louis, MO, Megan (Kris LeClere) Andresen of Maquoketa, IA, and Matthew (Christina) Andresen of Maquoketa, IA; 5 grandchildren, Ryker, Miles, Aria, Ivy, and Millie; sisters, Connie (Ron) Behrens of Baldwin, IA, and Brenda (Mark) Wiggins of Maquoketa, IA; aunt and uncle, Nancy and Larry Morris of Cedar Rapids, IA;  step-siblings, Paula Timmer, Doug (Kris) Wilson, Anne (Dan) Wilson Grant; in-laws, Cheryl (Jack) Clothier of Springville, IA, and Cheyene (Barb) Lerch of Anamosa, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a stepbrother, Mike Wilson.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Darrell’s life will be held from 12:30 to 3 P.M., Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Hurstville Interpretive Center in Maquoketa.  A private graveside service and burial will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

The family would like to give special thanks to Darrell’s caretakers over the years including Genesis Home Health, and his friends at Hospice of Jackson County.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.