Darrel M. Lorch, age 81, of Blair, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023 in the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse.

Darrel was born on August 30, 1941 in Arcadia to Milton and Lila (Klevgard) Lorch.  He grew up on a farm in Lewis Valley and graduated from the Arcadia High School.  Darrel married Arlene Stirn on April 23, 1960 in Blair.

Darrel and Arlene farmed together for 62 years in Blair.  Darrel had a passion for soil conservation and tending to the land and animals on the farm.  He was a founding member of the Blair Sportsmen's Club and served on numerous county committees.

Darrel enjoyed watching wildlife and hunting deer and turkey on the farm and in Wyoming.  He always made time for visiting with friends and family, old and new, and loved to attend local events.  Darrel and Arlene enjoyed taking trips together while Mark Herried, the farm manager who became a member of the family, took care of the farm for them.

Darrel is survived by his wife, Arlene; two children, Michelle Weisenberger of Ettrick and Jeffrey Lorch of Sheboygan; two grandchildren, Amber (Tim) Radatz of Osseo and Dwight (Christa) Weisenberger of Ettrick; five great-grandchildren, Wilson, Nolan and Charles Radatz and Beau and Adalynn Weisenberger; two sisters, Shelbie (John) Haug of Galesville and Julieann Buttke of Sanford, NC; a brother-in-law, Shyler Lea of Whittier, NC; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Leland) Drangsveit and Judy (Roger) Peters both of Blair;  family friends, Mark and Dianne Herried and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Darrel was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Gary Weisenberger and a sister, Marilyn Lea.

A celebration of Darrel's life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Blair Sportsmen's Club in rural Blair.