Darrel Reuben Gavle died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020.

Darrel was born Feb. 8, 1949, to Carol and Reuben Gavle in Albert Lea. He was the third of three children, with two older sisters, Karen and Myreen.

Darrel married Susan Mortenson in 1978 and they had two children, David and Katherine (Katie). He is survived by his spouse, Susan; son, Dave (wife, Kari and daughters Kirsten and Sophie), in Aurora, Colorado; daughter, Katie (husband, Aaron), in Madison, Wisconsin; sister, Karen Klassen (husband, Dan); sister-in-law, Laurie, and her husband, Ted Houlihan; and many nieces and nephews on both the Gavle and Mortenson sides of the family.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and his sister, Myreen Wedge.

He attended local schools graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1967, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete, focusing in football, basketball and track and field. He attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering degrees in civil engineering. Darrel also played football and rugby at Dartmouth and was a member of the 1970 undefeated Ivy League Championship football team. He moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois, immediately after college and worked at Baxter &Woodman Engineering for his entire career. He advanced in the company throughout his career, retiring in 2009 as CEO and president of the firm.

Outside of work, Darrel loved to hunt, fish and golf, plus watch and participate in almost all sports. As with many people, his passions were learned from his parents and grandparents, and embraced by his children. He also was a contributor to the community by serving on the Crystal Lake Library Board for over 20 years, the Library Foundation Board, and the Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Board. He also was an active member and volunteer at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 East Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The service will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 7, also at Bethany Lutheran Church, with an hour of visitation preceding the service.

The family would like to thank everyone who has walked with them during the long Alzheimer’s journey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Bethany Lutheran Church or Crystal Lake Public Library. Visit www.davenportfamily.com to leave an online condolence for the family or call 815-459-3411 for more information.