Darrel Anthony Brothersen, 65, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family in Cedar Bluff, Iowa on April 26, 2025.

Born on September 6, 1959, Darrel was the nineth of ten children to Harold and Genevieve (McGivern) Brothersen. He grew up on the family farm outside Guernsey, IA where he attended Brooklyn, Guernsey, Malcom (BGM) Community School in Brooklyn, graduating in 1978.

He spent several years working in construction and as a truck driver before pursuing further education earning a degree at Des Moines Area Community College. He went on to work at Rockwell Collins for 27 proud years where he spent the majority of his career as an environmental and safety specialist. During that time, he was instrumental in the recycling partnership between Goodwill and Rockwell Collins. After Rockwell, he enjoyed time working for local farmers and started up his own trucking company.

Darrel married Joanne Buffo settling down in West Branch, IA, and welcomed their two children AJ and Jessica. Later in life, he remarried Jean (Divoky) Brothersen and together they built a beautiful home near Cedar Bluff, with Darrel embracing Jean’s sons—Josh, Joe, and Jon—as his own.

Darrel had a deep passion for working on vintage tractors and proudly showcased part of his collection at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion every year. He was a devoted volunteer for Special Olympics Iowa and spent summers cleaning up Iowa’s rivers as part of Project Aware. Darrel also loved cultivating his vast garden landscapes around the house with an ever-changing and artistic eye. He had an all-or-nothing mentality when it came to his many interests in life.    

He is survived by his spouse Jean Brothersen, Tipton, IA; his children AJ Brothersen (Marissa), Las Vegas, NV, Jessica Van Roekel (Alex), Monroe, WI, Josh Divoky (Michelle), Solon, IA, Joe Divoky (Tommy) Phoenix, AZ, Jon Divoky, Cedar Bluff, IA; his brothers and sisters, Patty Cline, Grinnell, IA, Peggy (David) Franklin, Spring, TX, Greg (Colleen), Hockley, TX, Pepper (Dr. Karen Taylor), Guernsey, IA, David (Debbie) Davenport, IA, Janelle Brothersen, Grinnell, IA; brother-in-law, Bill Brant, Spencer, IA; grandchildren Sydney, Olivia, Ezra, Benjamin, Michael, and Hayden as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Darrel is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Genevieve Brothersen, father and mother-in-law Gaylen and Orlane Huey, sister Alice Jeannine Brant, brother Robert Brothersen, brother Jack Brothersen, brother-in-law David Cline, great niece Loralai Nicole Gutierrez, and several childhood friends.

Darrel, Dad, Grandpa, you will be greatly missed by us all.

A prayer service will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Henderson Barker Funeral Home in West Branch from 11:00-11:30 with light sandwiches to follow until 1:30. 

Per Darrel’s wishes, casual attire is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the family (Jean Brothersen) to be used at a later date.