Daryl Willard Haerther

Daryl Willard Haerther was born the second of two children on January 17, 1926, in Boone, Iowa, to Caroline Johanna (Michel) and Albert Eberhardt Haerther. He had an older sister, Marilyn, and the children were raised in Iowa farmland near Story City. He passed away August 2, 2024, at Prairie Creeks Living Center in Strasburg, Colorado after a long and full life.

He attended first through eighth grade at a parochial school at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, which was located in the country about 4 miles from their home. He often told the family about the adventure of riding his horse past the public country school on his way to school. He had fond memories of that time in his life and the stories were numerous. He attended Story City High School. Upon graduation, knowing troops were needed to fight in WWII, he enlisted in the Army to do his part to defend our country and freedom. After basic training he was shipped to Okinawa and served as a medic in that difficult battle, ultimately earning the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He, as many other veterans, had painful memories of war, but was forever proud of his service to our country. He returned home and married Bette Mae Fagin on June 23, 1946. They had 3 daughters, Susan, Linda and Carol.

Struggles with asthma in the Iowa climate led the family to Colorado in 1951. They settled in Edgewater, and he became District Representative for Ames Sprinkler Pipe. After 10 years of traveling for Ames, Daryl accepted a job as Manager of Cherry Creek Ranches near Parker, Colorado. He managed a cattle feedlot, grazing property, farming operations for cattle feed, and the Shetland Pony stock that owner Don Vestal raised and showed. Eventually, the business expanded to include hogs. In 1970 Daryl and son-in-law, Lonnie Losh, made the decision to establish their own livestock operation and found suitable property north of Strasburg. Comanche Livestock Company was born and became the largest hog production facility in the region, employing approximately 30 people. The family and employees also managed a 400 cow/calf operation. CLC provided employment opportunity, but also provided a feeling of family as everyone lived on the farm. Children of employees were offered the opportunity to work, as well, giving them income and responsibility. During that time, Daryl served on the Board of Directors for Federal Land Bank, The First National Bank of Strasburg for 20-plus years, and Strasburg Sanitation and Water Board from 1977-1999, and was part of the group that formed Tri Valley Gas. It was a surprise to the family when Daryl agreed to participate in a community play during Hometown Days. He played the part of Felix in The Odd Couple and thoroughly enjoyed it. Daryl was also able to pursue his passion for flying by obtaining his private pilot’s license and, soon after, achieving instrument rating. He and Bette traveled extensively with the Colorado Pilot’s Association, owning and flying 6 different planes, from a Taylor Craft to a Cessna T-210. At some point Daryl realized that the Strasburg area lacked living-in-place opportunity for senior citizens, so he tackled that challenging project with dogged determination. He formed a Board of Directors and eventually procured funding to build Prairie Creeks Living Center and the apartments, Residences at Prairie Creeks. His wife, Bette, provided the name for the project and Margaret Cozza provided the unparalleled Director leadership for the operation. He was very proud of that accomplishment, never realizing that he would someday need their expert and compassionate care.

He and Bette retired in 2004, moving to St. George, Utah; Parachute, Colorado; and Loveland, Colorado. While in Parachute, Daryl became very active in the MOPH (Military Order of the Purple Heart) organization, which he was able to continue in Loveland. He held those relationships close to his heart and gave generously of his time. They eventually made their way back to Strasburg, building a home on the farm property. After his wife, Bette, died, Daryl continued to live in his home until December of 2022 when he moved to Prairie Creeks Living Center and completed that circle of life.

His quest for knowledge, loyalty to family, and love of singing will be missed!

He is survived by 3 daughters and spouses, 5 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Prairie Creeks Living Center.   56175 Sunset Ave, Strasburg,CO 80136