DARREL MARKUSSEN, of Ogallala, passed away September 28, 2021, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
Darrel was born at Sidney, Nebraska, on May 10, 1954, to Junior and Norma J. (Oliverius) Markussen. He attended school in the Sandhills until the 7th grade before eventually graduating from Lodgepole High School with the class of 1972. After graduation, he joined the US Navy and served ten years.
Darrel entered the US Navy for a second time on July 17, 1987, and served until July 16, 1991. His total years of service with the Navy was around fourteen years.
Following his discharge, Darrel worked for Ogallala Home Health Care for several years before continuing his work in North Platte. Darrel eventually took a job at the grocery store in Julesburg before working at Sunmart in Ogallala until his health would no longer allow it.
Darrel enjoyed woodworking, fishing, attending auctions and garage sales, and playing a good game of cards. Darrel was passionate about his family and always cherished the time they spent together. He was also deeply proud to have served in the Navy. Many of the values he carried later into the rest of his life came from his experience serving his country.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his siblings, Dick (Paula) Markussen of Ogallala, and Denise Nelsen of Lodgepole, along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A memorial has been established in Darrel's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.
Graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021, at 1 pm (Central Time) at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.