Darrell W. Achtemeier died peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at Park Centre in Newton, Iowa. A celebration of Darrell’s life will be announced at a later date.

Darrell was born May 6, 1928, to Elmer and Marie Achtemeier on the family farm. He was a 1946 graduate of Newton Senior High School and served as an instructor in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954. Darrell then farmed extensively in Jasper County throughout his career.

Darrell was married to Marie Snapp on Sept. 3, 1950. He is survived by Marie, his wife of 62 years; a son, Doug Achtemeier of Pasadena, Calif.; a daughter, Suzanne (Gary) Shapiro of New York, N.Y., and a granddaughter, Lauren Achtemeier of Pasadena, Calif.