Darrel Joseph Thannert, 85, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at his home.
He was born April 9, 1940, to Beryl and Anna Thannert. Darrel attended Aquinas Catholic School, graduating with the Class of 1958. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963.On June 11, 1977 he married Nancy Moehn in Ft. Madison. After his military service, he began his career as a prison guard at the Iowa State Penitentiary before later working at Fort Madison Community Hospital, where he retired after many years of dedicated service. Darrel was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and honorably served in the Military Honor Guard. A man of faith, he was a devoted parishioner of Holy Family Parish. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Darrel cherished his family above all else. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Thannert of Ft. Madison; two children, Marc (Kelly) Thannert of New London, IA and Heather (Casey) Huebner of Ft. Madison; and his five grandchildren, Ellie, Charley, Nora, Olivia, and Parker, who were the joy of his life. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald Thannert; and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Thannert.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. The family will meet with friends from 9:30-10:30 AM at the church prior to the funeral mass. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery with military rites performed by the US Navy.
A memorial has been established for Lee County 2x4’s for Hope and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.
