Darrel D. Hicks, 84, of Wheatland, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, on November 13, 2023. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Darrel’s life was marked by dedication, hard work, and a deep love for his family and community.

Darrel was the son of Perle and Grace (Mowry) Hicks and spent his formative years in the Toronto area. He was a proud graduate of Wheatland High School, class of 1957. On September 14 of that same year, he married his beloved wife, Marlene Gohlmann, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation, Iowa. Their blessed union brought forth four sons—Jeffrey, Jimmey, Jonney, and Joddey.

Following his graduation, Darrel embarked on a career that was as diverse as it was fulfilling. He initially farmed and held various jobs before he was hired by Farm Services out of DeWitt, Iowa. His dedication and work ethic saw him serve the company for over three decades until his well-deserved retirement. His professional life mirrored his personal life—marked by commitment, perseverance, and a sense of duty.

Darrel was a man of faith and service. He was a devoted member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation and a former member of the Wheatland Lions Club. His commitment to his community was only surpassed by his love for his family.

In his leisure time, Darrel was an avid outdoorsman. He relished deer hunting, an activity he often indulged in with his children and grandchildren. The joy he derived from these outings was a testament to his love for nature and family bonding. In his earlier years, Darrel also enjoyed the thrill of flying, a pastime that spoke to his adventurous spirit.

Every morning, Darrel could be found in the comforting company of his coffee buddies, a daily ritual he looked forward to. These moments, seemingly mundane, were a testament to his love for simple pleasures and the value he placed on friendships.

Darrel leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marlene Hicks of Wheatland, IA; sons, Jeffrey (Nikole) Hicks of Ponca City, OK, Jimmey Hicks of Maquoketa, IA, Jonney (Theresa) Hicks of Wheatland, IA, and Joddey (Christina) Hicks of Ames, IA. He was a proud grandfather of ten and great-grandfather of seventeen. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Allen, and a grandchild, Jacie.

A celebration of Darrel’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, November 20, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church.  A private burial will be at the Massillon, Iowa Cemetery at a later date.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Darrel D. Hicks memorial fund has been established.

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