Darrell Francis Brungardt, aged 84, passed away in March 2025 at his home in Honolulu Hawaii. Born on December 8, 1940, in Hays, KS, Darrell was the epitome of hard work, dedication, and love.
As a veteran of the US Air Force, Darrell served his country with honor and integrity. After his military service and as a graduate of Fort Hays State University, Darrell embarked on a career as a skilled retail store manager and executive for 4+ decades. He built and led organizations and brick and mortar stores for some of the most successful retail firms throughout the western United States and Hawaii. His work ethic, learned at an early age from his family and work on local farms, was above and beyond. He took immense pride in his ability to understand customer, company, and employee needs and was revered by his peers and employees.
Beyond his work, Darrel was devoted to his family above all else. He was very generous and supportive to his mother Ida Pfiefer, father Dan, his twin brother Harry, sisters Jeanette and Bernette, nieces and nephews, and countless extended family members. In addition, Darrell was a loving and generous father to his children, Jeff and Heide, and was a proud grandfather to 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Darrell’s legacy is one of integrity, devotion, and love. He lived an unconventional and independent life, always looking for new challenges and never really settled down until he retired. He loved his retirement in his adopted state of Hawaii and it afforded him the exact, easy-going lifestyle he wanted. That said, he really didn’t slow down. Darrell spent countless hours in retirement exploring and documenting his family tree, delving into archives and working with people as far away as Russia. He leaves the family an invaluable legacy of documentation that will keep the history of the family alive for generations to come.
Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Daniel and his sister Bernette.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, Darrell is survived by brother, Harry Brungardt, and sister, Jeanette Wellbrock.
Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Interment will follow the mass in the parish cemetery.
Services in care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.
In Darrell’s memory, contributions can be made to the Pauahi Foundation’s Memorial and Tribute program https://pauahi.org/memorial-and-tribute-giving