Darrel Kaasa, 
age 51, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Tuesday, March 5th, at Sanford Hospital in Bemidji, MN. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12th, at Maple Lake Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN, with the Rev. Philip Larsen officiating. Interment will be in Maple Lake Lutheran Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com.
Darrel was born on May 15, 1967 in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Norval and Margaret (Haugen) Kaasa. He was baptized and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston and attended Fosston High School. Darrel worked beside his father, Norval, for many years doing construction in the surrounding area.
Darrel was united in marriage to Vanna Plante on May 11, 1991 at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine. After their marriage, Darrel and Vanna lived on their farm south of Fosston. Together, Vanna and Darrel did respite and foster care serving more than 69 children in their home, and operated Kaasa Critters Animal Therapy and Activities. After the passing of his father, Darrel continued his love of building and worked hands on with Mike Olson Construction and completed various jobs. In recent years, Darrel stepped out of his comfort zone, taking a position caring for people with disabilities at Blue Sky Inc in Mahnomen, MN. He was fearless and compassionate, creating an instant connection with the gentleman of the home.
Darrel’s love of nature brought him great joy, spending many long hours navigating the woods, caring for his animals and tending to his large garden. In his earlier years, Darrel enjoyed trapping and tanning of hides. Darrel loved to spend time with Vanna at their favorite fishing holes, taking in the sun and waiting for the next big catch. Darrel also enjoyed road trips to Sauk Centre, MN with Vanna. Together they would venture through antique shops along the away, spend the day visiting at The Eagle’s Healing Nest and grab a bite to eat at The Palmer. Darrel’s big heart and gentle soul was shared with those who knew him and the animals he cared for. His memory will be carried on in the lives of those he touched as he will be missed dearly.
Just like March, Darrel came into his final battle of life like a lion with courage and great strength. He fought with the love and support of those who cared most for him. He understood there is no life without death. Therefore, he was not afraid as he knew those who passed before were waiting to welcome him home.
Survivors include his loving wife, Vanna, of Fosston; his mother, Margaret Kaasa of Fosston; brother, Ken (Tammy) Kaasa of Gully, MN; and sister, Karen (Donna) Hanson-Kaasa of Grand Rapids, MN; mother-in-law, Beverly Plante of Brooks, MN; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Mike) Flaten, Janelle (Matt) Nickolay, Josh (Stephanie) Kaasa, and Nathan, Emily, and Adrian Hanson-Kaasa.
Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Donna (Jerry) Fehlhaber of Erskine, MN and Brenda Harmon of Crookston, MN; brother-in-law, Kelvin Plante of Mentor, MN; additional nieces and nephews, Jessica Melby, Ricky (Heidi) Fehlhaber, Joey Fehlhaber, Michael (Rachel) Harmon, Tasha Harmon (Jared Lord), Kelly (Keith) Sogla, and several great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Norval; his grandparents, Gust and Marie Haugen and Eivind and Nina Kaasa; and his father-in-law, Ernie Plante.
