Darrell Rodekuhr

Darrel Rodekuhr, a part time resident of Walker, passed in his sleep on April 14, 2023 in Claremore OK VA Care Center.  While traveling, he was admitted to the Oklahoma City Veterans Administration and transferred to the Claremore Veterans Center to treat complications from Alzheimer’s. There will be a celebration of life at the Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, MN at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 7, 2023. Interment at the Evergreen Cemetery in Walker following. All are welcome.

Darrel was born to Homer and Dorothy Rodekuhr in Walker, MN on August 25, 1944. He was the third of four children. He attended Walker High school, participating in the music program and graduated with honors. He then attended University of Minnesota-Moorhead earning a bachelor of Arts in 1966. He then attended Vanderbilt University as part of their Master’s program. He finished his MA but enlisted in the Air Force in January, 1970 before finishing his Thesis.

During his service in the Air Force he attained the rank of Captain flying, navigating and instructing for F4 and F111 fighter jets. During his service career, he achieved many commendations, including Air Medal, AF Commendation medal and AF outstanding Unit Award with Valor. He spent tours in the US, Vietnam, Spain and England, retiring in 1990 as a Captain. After retirement he lived briefly in Clovis, NM and then returned to his family home in Walker, MN.

While in Walker he was part of many musical ensembles, choirs and orchestra’s. He played many reed instruments and was an accomplished bassoonist. As a bassoonist he played all over northern Minnesota.

Darrel also loved working on the North Country Trail in Cass County, MN. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and participated in various music programs with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Janice (Rodekuhr) Airhart.

He is survived by husband Roy Jurina, brothers Bob Rodekuhr of California and Greg Rodekuhr of Colorado along with many cousins, nephews and nieces.

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