Darrell D. Tuschen

Darrell Tuschen, 84, of Salem passed away on May 9, 2024, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Salem. Visitation with family present will be from 6-7 pm on Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Salem with a 7 pm prayer service to follow visitation.
Darrell Donald Tuschen was born to Lawrence and Florence (Bies) Tuschen on April 2, 1940, in Salem, SD. He attended St. Mary's High School. Darrell then helped on the family farm. In 1958, he went to work for McCook Electric (REA). On April 8, 1961, he married Carol Loewen at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Salem. Darrell continued to work for the REA for the next 44 ½ years until his retirement in 2002. He was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Salem. Darrell served 6 years in the South Dakota National Guard. Darrell was a volunteer firefighter for 42 years including time as an assistant chief. He also served on the Salem city council and was a member of the Catholic Order of Forsters.
Darrell had a love of life. He enjoyed dancing and he and Carol belonged to the Swingsters Square Dancing club for several years. Darrell was a member of the Salem golf course. He passed his passion for the game onto his boys and particularly enjoyed a round with a daughter-in-law or two and was very happy to have a few grandkids take up the game as well. He loved pheasant and deer hunting and especially enjoyed it when the grandkids were old enough to join in the family hunting trips. Cards were always a staple at the Tuschen home. Darrell loved any game and took his cards very seriously. Many hours at the holidays and family get-togethers were spent playing and having a bowl of popcorn made by Darrell in the special cast iron pot. Darrell was extremely proud of his grandkids and he and Carol rarely missed any activity. Sports held a special place in his life. Darrell played league softball at the Center Ballfield, enjoyed competing in the city basketball league and weekly bowling league. He spent many years playing in the Salem and Montrose volleyball leagues competing against his sons on other teams. After retirement, Darrell loved to help out on the family farm and also working for other area farmers.
He is survived by: his wife of 63 years, Carol; five sons, Jerome (Barb) of Sioux Falls, David (Cynthia) of Sioux Falls, Dennis (Stacia) of Sioux Falls, Donald (Amy) of Salem, and James (Amy) of Salem; twelve grandchildren, Andy, Eric, Melissa (Kyle Braun), Zachary, Stephanie (Ryan Benson), Megan, Anthony, Kyle, Shayla, Elizabeth, Emily and Amanda; and five great-grandchildren, Whitney, Baker, Berkley, Weston and Everly; sisters Dina (the late Darrell) Herbst and Coleen (Bill) Ernster and brother, Dick.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Betty Streff and Janet Rotert, brother, Larry, and several brother and sister-in-laws and nieces.