Darrel Johanes Rufer, 69, of Milam, Texas passed away Friday, October 29, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas.

Darrel was born in Breckenridge, Minnesota on April 27, 1952 to LeRoy Rufer and Irma Klindt Rufer.  He had served his country as a member of the United States Army and later earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education.  He was a long time resident of Sabine County, Texas and of Tintah, Minnesota and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Milam.

Darrel was a commercial bee keeper and owner of Rufer's Apiaries, Inc. and Deep East Texas Queens.

Darrel was also an amazing chef.  He attended Moorhead Technical Culinary School in 1971 and worked as Head Chef at Hippogriff Restaurant and Night Club.  In 1975, he earned his Associate's Degree as a Culinary Chef from Dakota County Technical College.

He loved riding his many motorcycles and enjoyed taking road trips on them, enjoying the scenery of the outdoors and nature.  He also liked to garden and loved War History, war movies and westerns.  He loved his bees and all his animals, especially "Da pups".  But other than his family, his greatest joy was "giving people shit".

Darrel is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cathy Rufer of Milam, Texas and Waverly, MN; sons, Jason Rufer and wife, Sara, of Cokato, MN and Darren Rufer and wife, Jennifer, of Draper, UT; brothers, Roger Rufer and wife, Irene, of Plymouth, MN and Terry Rufer and wife, Mary, of Buffalo, MN; brother-in-law, Alfred Kristjanson; grandchildren, Gavin, Keegan, Rex and Rhiannon; and great grandchild, Olive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Irma Rufer; sister, Sharon Kristjanson and Roger Rufer, Jr. and Infant Rufer.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021 at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 6, 2021 in Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Tieman officiating and Rev. Ron Boyer delivering the eulogy.  Military Honors will be provided by Sabine County Honor Guard.

Condolences can be made and guest book may be signed online at starrfuneralhome.com.