Daryl Dean Abelstad

Retired United States Army First Sergeant Daryl Dean Abelstad, 72, passed away at home on December 1, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Minot, ND on December 8, 1951 to Alvin and Anna (Bingen) Abelstad. He spent the first 19 years of his life on the family farm just 6 miles SSE of Minot. His elementary school years he attended Bell School , a one room school with no running water and 2 one hole outhouses out back and the remaining years he spent in Minot Public school system. His childhood was reminiscent of Little House on the Prairie and The Andy Griffith Show, which is why he loved these TV shows. He graduated from Minot High School in 1970.

He was in 4H and FFA and one year his cow Brownie won Grand Champion at the ND State Fair. He kept real busy with his 4H projects, working on the family farm and even helping the neighbors. He hired out for $5/day plus keep, whether driving tractors or hauling bales. He got his first/second actual hourly jobs at the Cargill grain elevator and the Minot Livestock Auction. Pay was around $1.00/hr. He also drove a school bus while attending high school. This helped him buy his dream car-a 66 Mustang Fastback. Most nights he could be found racing this car around the streets of Minot hanging out with his many close friends. Through these friends he met the love of his life Brenda Eslinger. They were married shortly after high school on June 14,1971 and were happily married for 53 years.

Daryl joined the Army on June 22nd 1971 and dedicated more than 20 years of his life to serving his country alongside many great warrior soldiers. He leaves behind a legacy of service, discipline, and commitment that will be remembered by all who knew him. Daryl was stationed in Germany, Alaska, Washington, New Jersey, South Korea and retired from his final duty station at Fort Carson, CO with the 4th Infantry Division. During his time in the Army, Daryl embodied dedication, serving with many prestigious units including 1st Infantry Division, 172nd Arctic Bde, the 2nd Bn 75th Infantry Regiment, a special forces Ranger unit, and with the Imjin Scouts, a select group of soldiers who conducted patrols of the most heavily militarized area in the world, the Korean DMZ. Daryl also served as a Drill Instructor for 3 years at Fort Dix NJ w/2nd Infantry Division . His many decorations included: three Army Accommodation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, six Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, two Overseas Service ribbons, the Advanced NCO Professional Development ribbon, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Sharpshooter Badge(Rifle M-16), and the Wheeled Driver Badge. Daryl reached the rank of First Sergeant(E8) and was selected for promotion to the highest non commissioned rank, Master Sergeant(E9), but chose to retire in September 1991 to spend more time fulfilling his true calling in life, being a grandparent.

Daryl loved Colorado and chose to stay in Colorado after retiring. He lived there for 41 years. After his honorable discharge from the military, he worked for the Mountain Metro Bus company for 17 years. His work ethic was second to none. During his many years of work, whether military or civilian, he was never late and never called in sick. Punctuality, honesty, and integrity were values he deeply cherished and upheld throughout his life.

Daryl loved animals. He shared his love of animals with his grandchildren, teaching them to care for chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, pigs and (mostly) anything else they asked for over the years. His many pets were truly members of his family and he treated all animals with love and compassion. He will be missed by his dog Snickers who was by his side until the end.

Daryl gave freely of himself and never asked for anything in return. He blessed many with his time, resources and money whenever and wherever they needed it. He was proud and honored to have opened his home up to so many over the years. His grandchildren all remember living with him throughout their childhoods on and off when the need arose. He taught them the value of getting up early, making their beds, working hard, cleaning up after themselves and being a person of their word. He showed them what honor, integrity and commitment was. His greatest legacy will be having a hand in raising not just his children, but his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His rock solid influence will be felt for many generations to come.

Later in life Daryl became a staunch Christian and preached the word of God to anyone who would listen.

He is survived by wife Brenda Abelstad, whom he loved, cherished, protected, and saved; daughter Stacey (Larry) Dibble and son Donald (Lisa) Abelstad; grandchildren Russell Carnes IV, Samantha (Alan) Sullivan, Alexandria Abelstad, Aubrianna (Dillon) Wells, Erik Abelstad, Alyssa (Casey) Deppen, Vanessa (Peter) Martin -Wegryn, Marcus (Ana) Martin-Wegryn, Marisa Martin-Wegryn, Jessica Martin-Wegryn; great grandchildren Makenzy Carnes, Blake Carnes, Carson Carnes, Sadie Carnes, Jack Wells, Stetson Sullivan, Lucia Deppen, Talia Deppen; sisters, Sue Abelstad Thomas, Nancy (Carlos) Cisneros, “greatest” aunt Arlene Weigel; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Daryl was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, camp and travel. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends joking around and playing and teaching pinochle. He will be remembered for his big heart, laughter, compassion, generosity and love he gave to all.

He was preceded in death by parents Alvin and Anna Abelstad, brother Kim Abelstad and grandparents Erik and Mabel Abelstad and Minius and Bertha Bingen.

A Memorial service will be held at Pikes Peak Christian Church, 4955 Bradley Rd, Colorado Springs CO 80911 on Wednesday December 18, 2024 at 10:00 am with burial at Pikes Peak National Cemetery at 1:00pm. Viewing will be Tuesday December 17, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Dove-Witt Family Mortuary 6630 S US Hwy 85/87, Fountain, CO 80817

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, or Pikes Peak Christian Church.