Darrel Myran Brodeen, of Lake Vermilion, Tower, MN, joined his parents in heaven on March 28, 2025, at the age of 69. He fought a courageous battle against CMML ASXL 1, a rare form of blood cancer, and was surrounded by his family at home when he passed.

Darrel was born in Virginia, MN to Irving and Faith (Sundeen) Brodeen on November 6, 1955. He graduated from Cook High School in 1974 and attended Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. The Northwoods lured Darrel back early, where he worked in construction for many years. He was a highway heavy pipe foreman for Hoover Construction Co. for over a decade before beginning a career with St. Louis County Public Works as a supervisor.  Darrel was promoted to Superintendent of District 6 and retired from St. Louis County Public Works in 2021. After retirement, Darrel established "Brodeen's Guiding Services", where he was a fishing guide on Lake Vermilion.

Darrel was united in marriage to Barb (Boshey) on December 2, 1983, at the First Baptist Church in Cook, MN. They built their first home on the outskirts of Cook, where they raised daughters, Gina and Brianne, and son, Philip. In 2002, Darrel and Barb build their second home on Lake Vermilion in Tower, MN and raised their granddaughter, Lexi Boshey.

Darrel spent a lifetime exploring the outdoors, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those who were blessed to share adventures with him. He enjoyed spending time on the lake and the solitude of the woods.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter and never missed a walleye, deer, or moose season. While Darrel enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, he also cherished the camaraderie of the "Brodeen Breakfasts" on opening morning of deer season.  He instilled the love of fishing and hunting in his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Darrel's greatest joy was being a grandpa to Lexi, Talon, Tennley, Lake, Gianna, Case, and Jordan. You could find Darrel swimming, catching bugs, playing catch, fishing, hunting, reading, and just about anything that his grandkids wanted him to do with them. Darrel and Barb could often be found at their kids - and then grandkids' – school, music, and sporting events.

Darrel is survived by Barb his wife of 41 years, two daughters Gina Boshey of Tower, MN and Brianne Brodeen of Lino Lake, MN, one son, Philip (Cheyenne) Brodeen of New Brighton, MN, seven grandchildren, Lexi and Gianna Boshey of Tower, MN, Talon and Tennley Peterson of Lino Lakes, MN, Lake and Case Brodeen of New Brighton, MN, and Jordan Gottfried of Lino Lakes, MN; five brothers, Randy (Lauri) Brodeen, Pat (Karen) Brodeen, Curt Brodeen, David (Shari) Brodeen and Tim (Kelly) Brodeen, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Faith Brodeen, his grandparents, Carl and Lucille Sundeen, and Victor and Myrtle Brodeen.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Mlaker Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Cook, MN. Visitation will be held again, one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Bois Forte Medical Clinic – Vermilion, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Oncology, Mercy Hospital, Fairview Range Medical Center, Essentia Health-Virginia and Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospice East Range.