DeLyle J Fankhanel

DeLyle J. Fankhanel, 78, of Barnesville, passed away on February 21, 2026, in Barnesville, Minnesota. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Dobmeier Funeral Home, Barnesville, MN, at 5:00 pm with Jeanne Putnam serving as celebrant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 4:00-5:00 pm.

DeLyle was born on November 10, 1947, to Herman and Inez Fankhanel at St. Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead, MN. DeLyle was raised on a farm outside of Barnesville with his five siblings, where he developed a lifelong work ethic and love for the outdoors. He graduated from Barnesville High School and soon after headed to St. Paul to work at UNIVAC. It was there that he met Gay Skinner. They were married and together raised five children, creating plenty of stories along the way.

DeLyle and Gay returned to Barnesville, where he became a self-employed over-the-road truck driver. Through the years, DeLyle saw much of the country through his loads, hauling everything from gravel to potatoes and French fries, along with countless other goods.

DeLyle was a simple man who found joy in everyday things. He loved hunting and watching wildlife, playing cards and pool, spending time at coffee with friends, tending to his vegetable plants and trees, and wandering through auctions and pawn shops in search of a hidden treasure. He had a special talent for finding a good deal and an even greater joy in passing those finds along to his kids and grandkids—especially if they came from his favorite stop at Kwik Trip. He was known for his quick one-liners, his perfectly timed sense of humor, and his signature move of hanging up the phone without a proper goodbye—something his family will forever smile about.

More than anything, DeLyle was proud of his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest accomplishment and cherished the time he spent with each of them.

He is survived by his former wife and dear friend, Gay Fankhanel; his children: Desiree (Todd) Thompson and their children Tessa (Pat) Coyne and Tanner (Bailey) Thompson; Wendy (Randy) Affield and their children Brandon (Tawny) Dilbeck and their children Aurora, Pierce, and Pryor; Alyssa (Tyler) Hewson and their children Briley, Noah, and Camden; Jake Affield and Claire Affield; Bree (Patrick) Reinke, Gracie Such, Gavin Such, Kade Reinke, and Ila Reinke; Justin (Cassie) Fankhanel and their children Jayden Meyer, Nate Fankhanel, Macie Kohler, McKenzie Kohler, Oliver, Jocelyn, Chloe, and Case Fankhanel; and Alex (Brittan) Fankhanel and their children Kellan, Kane, and Grandpa’s very special little girl, Indy.

He is also survived by his sister Lavonne (Marvin) Nicklay and his brother Virgil Fankhanel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Inez Fankhanel; infant sister Janice; sister Rolene (Ralph) Nicklay; sister Erma (Leland) Egge; sister-in-law June Fankhanel; and special brother Arnold Fankhanel.

DeLyle will be remembered for his hardworking nature, quick wit, generous spirit, and deep devotion to his family. The miles he traveled may have been many, but it was the people he loved who meant the most. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories and memories that will continue to be shared for generations.