Darrell Nickolas Mahlberg, 78, passed away on May 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Sept. 19, 1946, in Earling, Darrell was one of eleven children born to Joseph “Bud” Mahlberg and Irene (Leinen) Mahlberg. Growing up in a large family meant there was never a dull moment and countless stories to be told. Darrell graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1964. Darrell met the love of his life, Elizabeth Murphy, at a dance in Omaha, Neb. The connection was instant, and the two were married on June 27, 1970. They were married for 54 wonderful years. In 1976, they moved to a farm in Charter Oak, where they raised their three children and built a life grounded in hard work, family and community. Darrell was a lifelong worker. He spent 44 years with Farmland, eventually retiring from a career in advertising and sales. He also farmed and raised hogs for many years and was well known for growing and selling the “World’s Best Sweetcorn,” a family business that he proudly passed down to his daughters and grandchildren.
Darrell and Elizabeth were truly a team in every part of life. Whether it was playing cards and board games with family, taking weekly trips to the casino, or simply attending events and sharing everyday moments, they were rarely seen apart. Their devotion to each other was a beautiful partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering support. Darrell served his country with honor in the United States Navy — four years active duty and ten years in the reserves. He was a proud member and former Commander of American Legion Post 0066 for 40 years and served 20 years on the board of Farmland Credit Union. He was also a member of UFCW, a Little League coach, a lay minister at St. Boniface Church and a longtime Iowa High School baseball and softball umpire. Darrell’s Catholic faith was a guiding light throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where he found joy and reverence in prayer, worship, and fellowship. He especially treasured attending Wednesday Bible study with close friends, deepening his faith and connection to God. Affectionately known as “Admiral D” in the Denison CB Club, Darrell was known for his ability to make friends wherever he went. He enjoyed gardening, coon hunting, classic cars, boating on the Missouri River, attending swap meets and auctions, snowmobiling and playing horseshoes or “HORSE” at family events. He loved spending time with his grandchildren watching their plays, band concerts, and sporting events and was especially proud to watch his granddaughter play college softball this spring.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Bud” and Irene (Leinen) Mahlberg; sister, Sandra Mahlberg; sister-in-law, Linda Mahlberg; and parents-in-law, Melvin and Elizabeth Murphy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth; children, Jason (Heather) Mahlberg, Kimberly “Kimmer” Mahlberg and Erin (Scott) Hochstein; beloved grandchildren, Brennan Hochstein, Kiera Hochstein, Sophia Mahlberg and Lauren Hochstein; siblings, Randy Mahlberg, Terry Mahlberg, Dave (Lois) Mahlberg, Joe (Kathy) Mahlberg, Jim (Andrea) Mahlberg, Kelly (Penny) Mahlberg, Karen (Dave) Jones, Becky (Tim) Haas and Jane (Larry) Boettger; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Darrell’s legacy is one of love, hard work, faith, and laughter. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mondamin. Father Dean Nimerichter presided over the service. The musicians were Lyle Waterhouse, Sheila Murphy and Linnetta Jones. The pallbearers were Jason Mahlberg, Scott Hochstein, Brennan Hochstein, Kiera Hochstein, Sophia Mahlberg and Lauren Hochstein. Darrell’s final resting place is at the St. Joseph Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
