The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Daryl Milbeck, died Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, at his hom, with his family by his side.

Daryl was born Oct. 2, 1961, in Fergus Falls, to Richard John and Laura (Durose) Milbeck, the youngest of their four children. Daryl grew up in Otter Tail County, attending country school district 1508. After first grade he attended the Pelican Rapids school district, where he graduated in 1979.

On April 11, 1981, Daryl married the love of his life, Robin Lynn (Zent) at Tonseth Lutheran Church in Edwards. The couple then made their home in Pelican Rapids for 17 years, before building their dream home near Erhard in 1999.

They were given two wonderful gifts with their sons, Billy Joe, and Richard Ronald.

As his children grew, they were blessed to not only to have him as dad, but also their best friend.

Daryl worked various jobs in the area including Ballard Sanitation of Pelican Rapids, Ripleys Inc., of Erhard, All Builders Construction of Fergus Falls, and most recently Quest (Century Link) out of Detroit Lakes.

Daryl was a “people person,” a consummate professional, and took great satisfaction in a job well done.

Daryl was a modest man and was very much a “what you see is what you get” kind of a guy. Everyone was equal in his home and he was as much loved by the younger generation as he was by those his own age. He would greet guests with a smile of welcome and a joke. He always had a gift for making you feel comfortable and important.

His family was his foundation, and his pride in his children and their accomplishments was evident every day of his life.

For Daryl, the only thing better than being dad was being grandpa, and Hazen and Londyn were a constant joy to him.

He enjoyed grandpa’s bragging rights and was always willing to share stories of his grandkids.

The simple things were the most important to Daryl. Spending time with his family, fishing with his grandson, a quiet walk with his special dog, Ellie Mae, or sharing a laugh with a friend were among his favorite things.

He loved hunting of any kind, while also having a great appreciation for the wonder of nature and enjoyed four-wheeling on the trails around his home as well as his favorite trails in the Lost River State Forest.

Those who knew Daryl, knew he had a great fondness for classic rock music. One of his favorite things to do was “Rock –n- Roll Trivia” with his friends. He knew every song and when the radio was on he was always first to ask you “Quick, who sings this,” while sometimes giving you clues.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Robin; sons, Billy Joe (Lindsay) and Richard, all of Erhard; his grandchildren, Hazen John and Londyn Lynn; mother, Laura of Fergus Falls; brothers, Ron (Roxanne) of Barnesville; Larry (Christi) of Webster, Wis.; a sister Mary (Randy) Lewis of Alexandria; mother- and father in-law, Ron and Lucy Stadum of Rothsay; a sister- and brother-in-law, Bob and Lisa Grant of Elizabeth; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Donna Stadum of Casa Grande, Ariz.; sister-in-law Lynn Fultz of Thief River Falls; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Allen Larson of Vining; brother-in-law Shannon Benson of Fergus Falls; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; sister-in-law, Susan Milbeck; and best friend, Bill Emery.

If life can be measured by the happiness you can bring to others and the number of people you can call friends, Daryl was rich in every sense of the word.

Today, we mourn his death, but we also celebrate his life. We will always remember the warm smiles, shared laughter and the many good times we spent with him. We will miss you Doc!

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church

Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, at Grace Lutheran Church, Erhard

Clergy: Rev. Brad Soenksen

Burial: Maplewood Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Erhard

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com