Post Messenger Recorder -

Daryl Dean Murken, born in Boone, IA, on November 29, 1937, to Raymond and Beulah (nee Stotts) Murken, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

He grew up on a farm, the middle child of five. He had many adventures on the farm, especially with his brother, Ken, gathering eggs from the pecking hens and terrorizing his sisters with various creatures. He learned to play piano, a passion he carried with him his whole life. From a young age he liked being in the kitchen with his mother. This fostered in him a life-long love of cooking for his family and friends. He also raised prize-winning pigs and participated in the Iowa Future Farmers of America. He was elected as the President of the Iowa chapter from 1957-58, and gained much experience and confidence in public speaking from this honor.

Daryl attended Boone Community College and transferred to Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in Sociology. He worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Oskaloosa, IA, and then in Cedar Rapids. It was there that he met the love of his life, Judith. He won her over with his superior listening skills and his thoughtful nature. They were married on October 29, 1966, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.

Daryl and Judy made homes in Maryland, Illinois, Iowa (several locations!), Michigan, Illinois (again!) and finally in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Daryl was a devoted husband. He and Judy shared 56 happy years of marriage, supporting each other and traveling together around the country and the world. He was also the best dad his children could have asked for. He took an active role in their lives, attending all the plays, concerts, and games he could. He was proud of his children. He never missed a chance to tell them that and to encourage them. He spent countless hours with them on the phone, taking them to lunch, out for ice cream (one of his favorite treats), or helping them with whatever they needed.

Daryl was a successful businessman, owning an executive recruiting business. He delighted in finding people jobs, especially when he could help an immigrant or an older candidate. He worked incredibly hard to provide for his family and took great pride in supporting them. He sacrificed so much to be able to leave a legacy for his family, but the most important thing we cherish was his love, time, and devotion.

Daryl was well-loved and respected by his siblings, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, extended family, church family, and friends. His homemade pasta, pizzas, muffins, and ethnic dishes are remembered fondly. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and corny sense of humor were a welcome addition to many lives. He was always an active member of his church, occasionally serving as Council President, on stewardship teams, and singing in the choir.

In his later years Daryl suffered from Alzheimer's Disease. This robbed us of much of him but until almost the end he could still show his love and affection for his family in some way. Our deep thanks to the staff at the New Glarus home who cared for him, especially during the pandemic.

Daryl is survived by his loving and grateful family: his wife, Judy; his children, Eric (Kathy), Alison, and Heidi (Brian); grandchildren, Mirella, Matteo, Bennett, and Anna; siblings, Lois (Bob) Powers, Mel Murken, and Jan (Dale) Love; many nieces; nephews; and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his dear brother, Ken.

We take great comfort in knowing Daryl now rests in the care of his gracious and faithful God, who he served all of his days.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 506 Twelfth Avenue, New Glarus, WI, with Rev. Erich Hartenberger officiating. A gathering of relatives and friends will precede the memorial service from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in New Glarus.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.