Darrel Burkeland, age 87 passed away at 4:45AM on September 26, 2025 at VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, Florida. He was born on June 25, 1937, to Elvie and Selina (Schroeder) Burkeland. 

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elena Burkeland, by three children, ten grandchildren and ten grand grandchildren.
Darrel lived a wonderful, full and successful life and as he said a few months before his passing, “I have no regrets about anything. I have lived a full and rewarding life”. 
Darrell spent four years in the Air Force and traveled all over the world, including visiting 48 states. He ran a successful carpet business in Madison, Wisconsin and built many homes and buildings in Fairfield, Iowa, according to the ancient principles of Vedic architecture. These homes nourish the occupants on many levels and as such, he helped enriched the lives of those that lived in them.
Darrell was also was a very dapper man. Always dressing in the best of style, looking neat and presentable . This quality was a reflection of how he lived his life and the values he carried.
He was the King of Moderation in all things. Always living his life with dare and yet with caution and awareness. He was probably one of the most fearless men I have ever meet. I loved hearing all the stories of adventures he shared with us. He was always up for a good laugh. 
Darrel had many friends wherever he lived because of his warm personality, his willingness to help others out and his gracious and open nature. He will be missed by many.

arrel Burkeland, age 87 passed away at 4:45AM on September 26, 2025 at VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, Florida. He was born on June 25, 1937, to Elvie and Selina (Schroeder) Burkeland.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elena Burkeland, by three children, ten grandchildren and ten grand grandchildren.
Darrel lived a wonderful, full and successful life and as he said a few months before his passing, “I have no regrets about anything. I have lived a full and rewarding life”.
Darrell spent four years in the Air Force and traveled all over the world, including visiting 48 states. He ran a successful carpet business in Madison, Wisconsin and built many homes and buildings in Fairfield, Iowa, according to the ancient principles of Vedic architecture. These homes nourish the occupants on many levels and as such, he helped enriched the lives of those that lived in them.
Darrel had many friends wherever he lived because of his warm personality, his willingness to help others out and his gracious and open nature. He will be missed by many

Darrell and Chris in Limo going to Kravis Center to Opera

Darrel with his sisters in Madison,WI at family reunion

Darrell and his wife Elena enjoying their Sunday walk on the beach

Darrell and his wife Elena taking a day off to play golf

Darrell and his wife Elena at Opera House

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery

I met Darell through his beloved wife Elena - who has been my colleague of 10 years and has since become my very dear friend. Prior to meeting Darell, Elena proudly spoke with admiration and praise of her husband.  It wasn't until I personally met him that I truly believed her words.  I immediately fell in love with this extraordinary and good man who possessed both intellect and a wicked sense of fun!  My heart goes out to you Elena for your loss...but I know that Darell's light and love will continue to watch over you to keep you safe and strong.  All My Love - Valerie
         

What a great man and friend Darrell was!  His kindness, generosity and loving nature attracted all around him.  We loved  his laugh, smile, and his sense of humor.  He was the King of Moderation in all things.  Always living his life with dare and yet with caution and awareness. He was probably one of the most fearless men we have ever meet.  We loved hearing all the stories of adventures he shared with us.  He was always up for a good laugh.  Darrell was  also was a very dapper man.  Always dressing in the best of style, looking neat and presentable . This quality was a reflection of  how he lived his life and the values he carried.   

   During his time in Fairfield, IA, he became an expert  in building Vedic Architectural homes.  There was so much that was new and different than his past experience in  construction.  WIthout effort or strain he easily manifested dozens of homes and buildings applying  the principles of Vedic Architecture  to each structure. Darrell was kind and considerate to the home buyers that had so many needs as we built their homes.

When we think of Darrell, we think of skill in action with his great ability to fulfilled any necessary task at hand.  

Our time with him in Vero Beach was precious as we spent time together as a couple. This included, dancing, beach time, restaurants, shopping, and movies to name just a few activities.  

Darells kind, loving nature and spirit will be dearly missed.  We are sending our love his journey.   

When you meet a person like Darrel you fully feel that you are in the presence of an important man. Not because of his rank or position in society but because of the attention and seriousness with which he treats you. I admired and respected him from the first moment I met him. Although 25 years have passed since then, it seems to me that it was yesterday. As he represented a Light for most of those who knew him, he is now making his last journey - but not the last - towards the Great Light. I greet you!!

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there.I do not sleep.
I am thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft starts that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry:
I am not there.I did not die.
(Poem written by Mary Elizabeth Frye)


Dearest Darrell,

You will be forever in our hearts. 

Your intelligence, spirit of adventure, courage, compassion and dedication in everything you did showed your leadership and determination. 

As the president of Rotary Club in Madison, Wisconsin Darrell led many charitable projects and always was a mentor for those around him. 
Darrell shared his skills and practical intelligence generously with the people he worked with and helped them grow to the best they could be.

After he married my sister, he also brought me to America and supported me to go through a master program. Although l paid him back, l will forever be grateful for giving me a chance to came to the land of promises.

Darrell loved life: in his spare time he enjoyed to walk on the beach, spend time with his friends, meet at Panera and read lots of books.

Darrell: we love you and we wish you a beautiful journey back to our divine source, the source of light, love and peace.

Rest in peace beloved soul.

With love and gratitude, your sister in law,
Laura 



I knew Darrel for over 20 years. I considered him a dear friend and spent many holiday celebrations with him over the years and also played golf on many occasions.

What I loved and admired about Darrel was his warm and open personality. He accepted people as they were and was always willing to lend a hand to help people out. This represents a beautiful and developed heart and a strong and settled mind. He was also fearless in his approach to life, always willing to take risks and try new adventures. What a beautiful quality to have!

I and many, many others will dearly miss his warm smile and wonderful personality. He lived a rewarding and fulfilling life here and we all wish him well in his next adventure.

DARRELL ELVIE BURKELAND

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