Darrel Leroy Horsley

December 15, 1960 ~ August 13, 2026

Darrel L. Horsley, 65, Sioux Falls, SD, a devoted teacher, coach, dedicated worker, passionate runner, and loving member of his community and family, passed away at home on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with illness.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD.

Darrel Leroy Horsley was born on December 15, 1960, in Wessington Springs, SD, the first-born son of Leroy and Darlene (Schuldt) Horsley. Darrel was born in Wessington Springs, later moving to Hitchcock, SD for five years, then returning to Wessington Springs. Darrel graduated from Wessington Springs High School in 1979. He attended South Dakota State University for two years before continuing his education at Black Hills State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education.

Following his true passion for helping young people grow and succeed, Darrel began his career in education and coaching. He taught and coached in Highmore and Newel, SD, where he had the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of many young people. Darrel believed in the importance of encouraging youth, developing their abilities, and helping them become the best versions of themselves.

In 1995, Darrel moved to Sioux Falls and began working for Hutchinson Technology where he met his future wife, Betti Goldhorn. They later eloped to Las Vegas and were married on May 29, 2011. With this unity he was blessed with a new family that he cherished as if they were his own, Jan, Robbie, and Kari. Even though they knew that as much as he loved them, they still were second to Alex, Drea, Avrie, the grandbabies.

During his career at Hutchinson Technologies, Darrel worked in three different locations, including an opportunity to work in Thailand. After returning to Sioux Falls, Darrel went on to work at Rosenbauer America. He eventually retired due to illness.

Outside of his professional life, Darrel had a passion for running that took him across the country. He competed in numerous marathons with a goal of completing one in every state.  Although illness prevented him from completing that goal, he came remarkably close, finishing marathons in all but 17states. One of the highlights of his running career was qualifying for and competing in the Boston Marathon

Darrel also had a special way of preserving the memories of his many races. He collected a keepsake T-shirt from each marathon he ran. Over the years, those shirts became much more than souvenirs-they told the story of his dedication, perseverance, and the countless miles he traveled in pursuit of his passion. Eventually, Darrel had the shirts made into quilts, creating treasured reminders of the journey he loved so much.

Darrel will be remembered for his determination, his love of teaching and coaching, his adventurous spirit, encouraging young athletes, or pushing himself through another marathon. Darrel approached life with dedication and purpose.

Darrel’s legacy will live on through the students and athletes he influenced, the friends and coworkers whose lives he touched, and the family and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.

Darrel is survived by two daughters, Jan and Kari; grandchildren, Alex, Drea, and Avrie; sister, Darla (Will) Parks; brothers, Dave (Cheryl) Horsley, and Doran (Christie) Horsley; along with aunts, uncle, nieces, nephew, and cousins.

Darrel is preceded in death by his wife, Betti; son, Robbie; parents; grandparents; aunts; uncles; and several other family members.

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