Darrel Nilles

Darrel Nilles, 82, Bismarck, formerly Almont, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at a Bismarck Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, March 5, 2026, at St. Pius Catholic Church, New Salem. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5-7:00 PM, with a Vigil/Rosary service beginning at 7:00 PM, at DaWise-Perry / Mandan Crematory, 4211 Old Red Trail, Mandan. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Almont Cemetery, Almont, ND.

Darrel Lecy Nilles, was born August 2, 1943, in New Salem, North Dakota, to Regina (Timpe) and Clarence Nilles of Almont, North Dakota.
As a child, Darrel lived at North Almont in a boxcar while his father worked at the coal mine. He attended country school through the eighth grade before moving into Almont, where he finished high school while working on the family farm.

On May 3, 1975, Darrel married the love of his life, Marian Peterson, also of Almont. Together they made their home on the farm and built a life rooted in faith, family, and the everyday blessings of home. There they welcomed and raised four children. Darrel was steadfast in his faith and well known for his quick-witted sense of humor. He enjoyed 50 years of Marian’s home cooking and often blamed his “girlish figure” on it.

Darrel was a hard worker through and through, and some of his greatest joy was found in the simple, steady rhythms of farm life. He loved his animals—cattle, pigs, goats, and numerous birds—and took pride in caring for them. He also found true peace on the tractor, enjoying the quiet purpose of farming and the time it gave him to reflect.

In 2004, Darrel and Marian moved to Bismarck and enjoyed retirement together. In 2025, due to failing health, Darrel moved to the Baptist Home, where he quickly became something of a celebrity—winning the hearts of staff and residents alike with his charm and good looks. He even won “Valentine King” by a landslide vote!
Darrel was deeply proud of his children and loved them beyond measure. His 13 grandchildren were the light of his world and brought him constant joy.

Darrel is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marian Nilles; his four children: Steven Nilles of Bismarck; April (Jesse) Braun of Minot; Susan (Jordan) Reinke of Center; and Candy (Mike) Vetter of Bismarck; and his 13 grandchildren: Ajah, Elsie, Nolan, Eve, Wes, and Samuel Braun, all of Minot; Avrey, Eli, Henry, Benjamin, and Thomas Reinke, all of Center; and Alexa and Makenna Vetter of Bismarck. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Regina Nilles; his father- and mother-in-law, Cuno and Esther Peterson; his brother, Clarence Nilles Jr.; his brother-in-law, Lyle Peterson; and his niece, Shannon Larson.