ENGELHARDT, Abner "Darryl" 1937-2017

ENGELHARDT, MARTENS, KAPKA

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 7/11/2017 at 20:46:04

Services:

Celebration of Life Gathering will be from 2:00 PM- 6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 12 at Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel.

Cemetery:

St. Peters Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa (at a later date)

Biography--

Abner “Darryl” Engelhardt, age 80, of Garrison, died on July 8, 2017 at The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

He was born on May 11, 1937 in Howard County, Iowa, at home; the son of Abner John and Vera Helen (Martens) Engelhardt. He graduated from Lime Springs High School in 1956.

Darryl married Lois E. Kapka on December 13, 1958 in Riceville; she preceded him in death on June 21, 2007.

He worked as a machinist at John Deere and Co., and also as a farmer; retiring in 1997. Darryl and Lois worked side by side on their farm outside of Fairbank. After retirement, Darryl went back to his music full time, playing with Nancy Hooten and her band, Squeeze Box Larry and Tuba Darryl, and the Mike LaSack Band. They played at various nursing homes, hospitals, etc. Darryl was also a manager at the Apple Cart Orchard by Garrison; He spoke often about the apple orchard and his fond memories of his time spent there.

He was a member of Polka Club of Iowa -- Cedar Valley Chapter, Musicians Union Local 137, and UAW 838. Darryl was a warm generous, caring, and giving man. Darryl helped out and mentored many young lives. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Darryl is survived by two sons, Craig Engelhardt of Oran and Kenneth (Kris) Engelhardt of Fairbank; four daughters: Terri Engelhardt of Davenport, Connie Wilder of Cedar Rapids, Lorie Engelhardt of Davenport, and Shelli (Bob) Wierck of Fairbank; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters: Vicki (Owen) Davies of Charles City, Nancy (Steve) Howland of Davenport, Joanie (John) Lukes of Harpers Ferry, and Debbie (Don) Foster of Clarksville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abner and Vera Engelhardt; his wife, Lois; two sisters, Peggy in infancy, and Judy Harrington; two brothers, Arlyn Engelhardt and Jerry Engelhardt.

Source: Kearns funeral home website