Darrel Remington Obituary

Darrel Arnold Remington, aged 86, passed away July 7, 2024, in Hettinger, ND. A memorial service to celebrate Darrel's life will be held 10am MST on July 26, 2024, at the Enchanted Castle in Regent, ND. Following internment at the Regent Cemetery a lunch will be held at the Regent American Legion.

Darrel was born on a farm south of Mott on March 25, 1938, to Keith and Carrie Remington. He was the youngest of 8 children. Darrel began his educational journey in Mott, graduating in 1956 from Mott Lincoln High School, where he excelled in football and basketball.

From 1956 to 1960, Darrel served honorably in the Air Force, a period during which he developed a lifelong appreciation for discipline and service. His military tenure was a foundational experience, influencing his approach to leadership in his educational career. Darrel was stationed in Texas, California, and in multiple locations in Alaska.

In February 1958 he married Arloween Wieland, a marriage that lasted 54 years until Arly's death in February 2012. After the Air Force, Darrel and Arly lived in Rapid City, SD, where both of their sons were born. In 1966 the family relocated to Regent. A cascade of circumstances lead to Darrel enrolling in Dickinson State College the fall of 1967, driving daily between Regent and Dickinson for the next 4 school years. During this time, Darrell held a variety of jobs (often multiple at a time) including but not limited to managing the Regent Co-op Store; doing the accounting for Regent Lumber Company and Newby Lumber; insurance adjusting for crop damage throughout the Dakotas; and managing the local credit union.

After Darrel graduated from Dickinson State in May of 1971, he substitute taught for various schools in the Regent area. He also started coaching 4th-6th grade basketball that year, eventually adding the 7th-8th grade team 2 years later. Darrel was a highly successful grade school and junior high coach for many years. He started teaching in Regent the '72-'73 school year. In the summer of 1975, Darrel was hired to be the principal of the Regent School while still teaching 1-2 classes per year. He was hired as the Regent School Superintendent in the summer of 1980, which is also when he completed his Masters Degree from the University of North Dakota. Darrel stayed in Regent until June 1984. After 1 year as the Superintendent in Crary, ND, Darrel transitioned to being the high school Principal at his alma mater in August 1985, and advancing to become the Superintendent of Mott Schools the following school year.

In June 1999, Darrel and Arly both decided to call it a career, supposedly heading to retirement. However, in September 1999 Darrel became the "part-time" Superintendent for the Belfield School System, a position he held until June 2013 when he retired for good and moved back to Regent. During his tenure in Education, Darrel was well known for his knowledge of school finance and served on many state boards, including the ND Board of Career and Technical Education and the ND State Board of Public School Education, of which he was also the Chairman for many years.

Darrel was passionate about his gardening, with his friends and family often reaping the benefits of his diligent efforts. In addition he would have his Farmer's Market where people could buy his produce. Darrel loved watching college sports on TV, especially football and women's basketball. He was infamous for saying, "That is the worst call in the history of football !" while watching a game. Darrel also was a closet fan of the Minnesota Vikings as he did not want to open himself up to annual disappointment. Darrel was also active with the Regent Senior Citizens Center. Because of the importance in his life, he always treasured visits and successes of former students, staff, and school board members.

Darrel is survived by his sons Todd (Anne Thordal) Remington, Bismarck, ND; and Kevin (Lisa) Remington, Regent, ND; grandchildren Jennifer (Jeffrey) Paredez, Boerne, TX; Kevin (Brittany Wiedeman) Remington, Fargo, ND; Kori (Tyrel) Messer, New Salem, ND; Jaqueline (Johnny) Moreno, San Antonio, TX; and Andrea Remington, San Antonio, TX; sisters-in-law Cleone (Larry) Guinn, Cornelia, GA; and Twila (Robert) Marthaller, Bismarck, ND; 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Arly; sisters; Ethelyn Marthaller, Grace Fulton, Edith Kilzer, and Arlene Heinzman; brothers; Kenneth Remington, Wallace Remington, and Robert Remington; and grandson Scott Remington.

Evanson Jensen Funeral Home of Mott, ND, is assisting the family with arrangements at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com.