Daryl Kugler

Daryl Steven Kugler Sr., 60, a resident of High Island Lake died Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at his home in rural Erhard under the care of Lakeland Hospice. He was born December 31, 1948, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Kenneth and Frances (Gibbard) Kugler. He graduated from Underwood High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. He served his country in Vietnam, where he was awarded numerous awards and medals, including the Purple Heart. It was there that he started writing letters to a fellow soldier’s sister, Linda Salyer, who would become the love of his life. They were married May 7, 1970 in Gate City, Virginia, seven days after they first met, while he was on leave. After he finished his tour of duty, they returned to his family’s home in Minnesota, where they raised three children and built their life together. Daryl was a hard worker, and took pride in the many roads he helped build as a blade operator for Mark Sand & Gravel and Strom Construction. He could be found driving around looking for deer and wildlife on all his roads, checking his work. Daryl was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. He had a love of the outdoors that God had made which he passed on to all his children and grandchildren. Daryl liked to take the grandkids on nature walks to help them sleep better at bedtime. He was loved and respected by his friends and neighbors for his hard work ethic and caring nature. Daryl was there to help and lend a hand whenever needed. He was a proud Irishman and loved to celebrate! He was also well known for his awesome smoked fish and pig roasts! Daryl was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Friberg, where he had served as a past Deacon; a member of the Underwood American Legion Post #489, and member of the Christian Labor Association Union Local #78. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Kugler, brother, Richard and sister-in-law Sheree, mother and father-in-law, Will and Stella Salyer, brothers and sisters-in-law, Leon (Lois) Salyer, Dave Salyer, Bill Salyer, Joe Salyer, and Deanna (Roy) Hillman. Left to celebrate his life and memory are his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Linda; his daughters, Ann (Kelly) Moore of Underwood and their children, Dalton and Jade Jampsa, Drake, Irish and Slade Moore; Lorie (Bruce) Huseth of Erhard and their children, Dakota, Haley and Mason; his son, Daryl Jr. (Megan) of Underwood and their baby due in May 2010; a son-in-law, Derek Jampsa of Elizabeth; a special nephew, Shawn (Tammy) Kugler of Audubon and their son, Garrett; his mother, Frances Kugler of Underwood; four brothers, Douglas (Teresa) Kugler of Erhard, Wayne (Bernie) Kugler of Nashua, Jim Kugler of Underwood, and Dale Kugler of Fergus Falls; a sister, Verona (Steve) Bell of Battle Lake; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Bob) Farmer, and Marie (Bobby) Daugherty of Virginia, and Judy (Bob) Bledsoe of Illinois; brother-in-law Larry (Pauline) Salyer of Virginia; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the church Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 23, 2009 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverend Noel Herr                     Military Participation by the Underwood American Legion Post #489 Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com