Darla L. Stibral

Darla Lynn Stibral, age 63, of Tabor, South Dakota, died Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Martinus Lutheran Church in Utica, South Dakota, with Reverend Dean Schroeder officiating.  The service will be live streamed and can be viewed below her obituary.  A private family burial will be at a later date in the Tyndall Presbyterian Cemetery in Tyndall, South Dakota.  Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Martinus Lutheran Church in Utica, South Dakota, with a prayer service at 7:30 PM.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota.  Memorials would be preferred to the Tabor Nutrition Center c/o City of Tabor, Martinus Youth Group, or the Tabor American Legion and Auxiliary.

Pallbearers will be Matt VanMaanen, Chris Stibral, Ryan Aldren, Daniel Stibral, Brian Becker, and Dave VanMaanen.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Stibral and Ted Stibral.

Darla L. Stibral was born on May 5, 1960, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, born to Janice (Rus) and Duane VanMaanen. Her formative years unfolded in Pella, Iowa, where she was baptized and professed her faith at First Christian Reformed Church. The culmination of her academic journey led her to graduate from Pella Christian High School in 1978, and she further pursued her education at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. As a dedicated professional, Darla worked for Hy-Vee, later making a meaningful transition to Save-U-More in Yankton, South Dakota, in 1981. On July 24, 1982, at First Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa, Darla exchanged vows with the love of her life and best friend, David Stibral. She excelled as an office manager until her retirement in 1996; her true calling awaited her at home, where she wholeheartedly devoted herself to nurturing and guiding her precious twins, Daniel and Kimberly. Darla's commitment to her children extended far beyond mere dedication; she actively participated in every facet of their lives. Whether coaching softball, supporting them in school activities, or embracing a myriad of other roles, Darla's love and involvement knew no bounds.

Darla exuded an incredibly profound faith in the Lord, channeling her devotion into various roles within the church, such as being a compassionate youth group leader, a nurturing Calvinettes participant, and a dedicated Sunday School Teacher. Together with David, she traversed a spiritual journey across different Churches, including Tyndall Presbyterian Church, Riverview Reformed Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and now, Martinus Lutheran Church. Her joys were as diverse as her commitments. Darla found immense satisfaction in cooking and baking for her loved ones. The great outdoors held a special place in her heart, particularly the time spent on the farm, cultivating an expansive garden that she generously shared with those in need.

Music resonated deeply with Darla, and she found solace and joy in singing. Doug the dog and Mitsy the cat were not just pets but cherished companions in her life. However, her most profound love was reserved for her family. She loved watching Daniel's wrestling journey through high school and college, finding joy in every match. Additionally, she cherished moments with Kimberly, experimenting with new hairstyles in the salon and its environment, creating lasting memories that reflected the depth of her love and connection with her daughter.

Survivors include her husband, David Stibral of Tabor, South Dakota; children: Daniel (Anna) Stibral of Fargo, North Dakota, with one grandson on the way; and Kimberly (Brian) Becker of Yankton, South Dakota; her father, Duane VanMaanen of Pella, Iowa; four siblings: Deb (Dale) Hessing of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Dave (Beth) VanMaanen; Darcy (Greg) Horstman; Danece (Lonnie) De Zwarte all of Pella, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Janice VanMaanen and grandparents: Peter D. and Dora Rus and Henry and Eva VanMaanen.