Darrel Jonas Lillquist

About Darrel

Darrel Jonas Lillquist was born in Cass Lake, MN on February 16, 1942 to Arthur and Irene (Peterson) Lillquist. Darrel died peacefully on his farm Friday, April 26, 2024. It was raining gently that night with frogs serenading his passing.

Darrel attended Guthrie School through the 8th grade and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1959. He attended Bemidji State College, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Darrel taught at Blackduck High School, then Bemidji High School through his retirement in 1998. Darrel’s enthusiasm for the field of science influenced scores of students throughout his 35 years as an educator.

Darrel was fortunate to meet his future wife at Marv’s Mobile Station in Blackduck, MN. Jean washed his windshield, and it was love at first squeegee. They were united in marriage on August 14, 1965, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Blackduck. They were blessed with three children, Mike, Brenda, and Dan. The family moved from Blackduck to the Lillquist homestead, a Minnesota Centennial Farm, in1979. Darrel was an outdoorsman who cherished his farm, hunting, and fishing.

Darrel and Jean enjoyed many trips together. He was a lifelong member of Ducks Unlimited. He was a sports fan, gardener, and grill master. He was a trivia ace and won the Taco John’s challenge on the radio countless times. Darrel was sexton for the Zion Memorial Cemetery for many years. He served in a variety of roles as an active member of the St. Ann’s and St. Charles Catholic Churches.

Darrel is survived by his wife Jean Ann (Gunderson) Lillquist of 58 years, son Mike Lillquist of Rogers, MN, daughter Brenda (Joe) Rubash of Laporte, MN, son Dan (Kelly) Lillquist of Laporte, MN; Sister, Ardis Norenberg of Bemidji, MN, Brother, David (Linnea) Lillquist of Fayetteville, AR; Brother-in-law, Ron Gunderson of Winsted, MN; Sisters-in-law, Ruth (Ardell) Johnson of Bemidji, MN, Mary (Gordon) Lillquist of Faribault, MN, and Theresa (Dan) Peterson of Bemidji, MN; Grandchildren, Allison, Axel, Tyler, and Julia Lillquist, and Joseph Rubash; as well as special nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Marvin and Florentine Gunderson; brothers, Harland, Gordon, and Arthur “Bud” Lillquist; Brothers-in-law, Steven Gunderson and Donald Norenberg; Sisters-in-law, Beverly (Bud) Lillquist and Neen (Bud) Lillquist; and nephews Mark Norenberg, and David Lillquist.

memorial service

Mass of Christian Burial for Darrel

May 17, 2024

St Philip's Catholic Church 702 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Mass will be followed by a luncheon in the social hall. Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass. Interment will be at the Zion Memorial Cemetery in Hart Lake Township, MN following the luncheon.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home