Darrell D. Ohman

Darrell Dean Ohman, 90, peacefully passed away at Eventide Senior Living in Moorhead, MN on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Darrell was born on November 28, 1934, near Audubon, MN, to Conrad and Gladys (Johnson) Ohman. He attended Detroit Lakes High School through the 10th grade and graduated from St. Peter High School in 1952. He went on to earn a BA degree in Math and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1956.

In June 1958, Darrell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. In 1959, he was redesignated to the Standby Reserves. During that time, he lived in Burbank, California, and worked for a short period at Lockheed Aircraft. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force in 1966.

Longing to return to his home state, Darrell took a job with the Minnesota Highway Department in St. Paul. It was there he met Avis Holman, and the two were married in 1962.

Darrell and Avis started their family in 1965 with the birth of their daughter Carolyn. Seeking a return to lake country, they moved to Moorhead, MN, where their second daughter, Nancy, was born in 1968. Darrell adored his daughters and was always incredibly proud of them.

Darrell began working at Broeker Hendrickson, a CPA firm in Fargo, ND. In 1972, he joined Eide, Helmeke, Boelz & Pasch in Moorhead, which eventually became Eide Helmeke and later merged into what is now known as Eide Bailly. Darrell retired as a partner in 1992.

Big Cormorant Lake held a special place in Darrell’s heart. As a young boy, he spent summers at his Uncle Shorty’s resort, where he worked as a fishing and lake guide, knowing all the best spots to catch walleye. Years later, Darrell was thrilled to purchase a cabin on Trade Winds Beach, where he spent the next 45 years making memories with family and friends.

A co-worker introduced Darrell and Avis to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where they quickly fell in love with the sunshine and warmth. They would go on to spend 20 wonderful winters there.

In 1998, when our first grandson began playing hockey, he quickly became an avid fan of the game. Over the next 20 years, we proudly followed all five of our grandchildren as they played hockey in Moorhead, Fargo, and various out-of-town tournaments. Watching them grow on and off the ice was one of Darrell’s greatest joys.

Darrell was an enthusiastic golfer, fisherman, hunter, and blackjack player. He loved watching the Minnesota Vikings and never passed up a Sunday game. In his later years, he looked forward to weekly beers with friends and occasional trips to the casino. More than anything, Darrell cherished quality time with family and friends—whether at the lake, around a table, or simply sharing a good laugh.

Known affectionately as “Papa,” by all his grandchildren and close friends of Carolyn and Nancy. Darrell was the kind of grandfather who made every grandchild feel uniquely important and deeply loved. He had a warm, comforting presence, a quick wit, and a playful sense of humor that brought joy and laughter to every gathering. Whether sharing a joke, offering a listening ear, or cheering on his grandchildren, he made each moment with him feel special.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 63 years, Avis; daughters Carolyn (Michael) Holtgrewe and Nancy (Wade) Moore; grandchildren Christopher, Zachary, and Jacob (Morgan Raverty) Holtgrewe, and McKenna (Daylon Melby) and Jaycee Moore; and great-granddaughters Remi Moore, Kinley and Charlotte Holtgrewe. He is also survived by his nephew Jeff Ohman, and nieces Candace Romanini and Diane Hughes, as well as several cousins.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Gladys (Johnson) his brother, Wesley, and his sister, Lois Ohman. Along with his special buddies Mel Clark, Rodney Rieth, and his “kissin cousin” Henry Meyer.

The family of Darrell Ohman would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who have shared their love, support, and prayers during this time. Your kindness and compassion have been a great comfort to us.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour before the service at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.