Darrel W. Bohlke

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, MN 56003
507-388-2288

Darrel William Bohlke, age 82, passed away on March 1, 2018 at his home, which he built in 1954 for his family.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 5, 2018 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mankato with Rev. Paul Lauer officiating. Burial will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary and one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Memorials may be given to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Darrel was born on March 6, 1935 in Mankato, MN to Leo and Sarah (Kalbow) Bohlke. He graduated from Rapidan High School in 1953. Darrel married the love of his life, Elna Tischer, on October 3, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Good Thunder, MN. Together they raised their two daughters in North Mankato.

Darrel worked for Hiniker Sand and Gravel as a drag line operator for many years. In 1960, he became a police officer for the city of North Mankato until he retired in 1980 due to his health. Retirement gave him more time to work in his carpenter shop, making gift items for Harpies’ Bazaar and Bath Boutique, building furniture for family and friends, and flipping houses to rent and sell.

Darrel enjoyed doing many activities with his family; hunting, vacationing, fishing at his cabin on Webb lake and then later on West Jefferson lake. He is remembered for his many building and repair skills, his patience to teach others those skills, and his help when others did not quite succeed as well as he could. His quick wit and humor was always there. He was a good husband, father, friend, and man.

Darrel is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elna of North Mankato; two daughters, Kathryn (David Kreuter) of Eagan, and Debra (Tom Maus) of N. Mankato; Grandchildren, Matthew Ruona, Christopher Ruona, Nathan Kreuter, Jonathan Maus, and Benjamin (Dana) Maus; Great-Grandchildren, Orianna, Danica, McKenna, Cadence, Emery, Peyton, Hudson, and Nolan; Brother, Robert (Arlene) of Mankato.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Sisters, Florence and Lorraine; Brothers, Lawrence and Warren; Granddaughter, Elizabeth.

We wish to recognize all of Darrel’s family and friends who played a part in his life. Many thanks to Dr. Dan Anderson for his years of care, as well as Dr. Devineni, the Mayo Hospice nurses, and Ecumen Pathstone Living caregivers.