Darrell Herbert Soper

Darrell Herbert Soper, age 90, passed away on July 20, 2025. Born May 14, 1935, in Forest City, IA, to Benjamin and Edith (Fletcher) Soper, Darrell lived a full, hard-working life—always wearing his Minnesota Twins cap, win or lose.

Growing up in Ceylon, MN, Darrell was active in basketball, baseball, gymnastics, choir, and theater. A proud American Legion Boys State participant, he was known for his sharpness and charisma.

After graduating from Ceylon High School in 1954, he worked on the B&O Railroad and traveled to Washington, D.C. In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Lewis, WA, until his honorable discharge in 1957.

While stationed in Washington, his Army friend connected him with Barbara Louvar, a nursing student in Albert Lea, MN. They began writing letters, met soon after, and quickly fell in love. Darrell proposed on his second visit, and they were married on November 30, 1957.

Together, they raised three children—Steven, Mark, and Pamela—on a 25-acre hobby farm near Twin Lakes, MN, which they began building in 1967. A skilled cabinetmaker, Darrell crafted much of their home himself. The farm saw steers, pigs, sheep, geese, a dairy cow, and even a mischievous pony. He worked at Streater Industries from 1957 until his retirement in 1998.

Darrell was a man of many passions—golf, bowling, dartball, fishing, hunting, and card games with family and friends. He was especially fond of his weekly breakfasts shared with his son Steve. After retirement, he drove school buses for the Albert Lea School District and delivered motorhomes for Winnebago, which allowed for meaningful visits with Mark’s family in Tacoma, WA.

Known for his sense of humor and quick wit, Darrell was deeply loving and never hesitated to say, “I love you.” He believed in hard work and integrity, often saying, “Do it right, or don’t do it at all,” and, “Do the right thing and work hard.”

He is survived by his children: Steve (Laurel) Soper of Glenville, MN; Pam Soper of Mankato, MN; and daughter-in-law Tammy Soper of Tacoma, WA. He leaves behind grandchildren Bryan (Shawna) Soper, Cara (Charlie) Soukup, Kayla (Christian) Kinley, and Andy Soper, along with great-grandchildren, Brenden, Levi, Audrey, Jill, Hudson, and Juni. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law and 13 nieces and nephews.

Darrell was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara (2019), son Mark (2000), daughter-in-law Anne Walsh (2012), his parents, all four siblings, and six nieces and nephews.

A casual celebration of life will be held on August 16th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Emmons Lutheran Church in Emmons, MN. Private interment will follow at Lunder Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause close to your heart—or plant something in his memory. Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato is assisting the family with arrangements. www.woodlandhillsfh.com