Dr. Darrell "Doc" Neuberger

Dr. Darrell “Doc” Neuberger, a devoted veterinarian, respected community member, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the age of 74.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Rev. Andrew Marr officiating. Burial will be at Concord Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St. Boniface Catholic Church and will resume one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Garner Fire Department or the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Association.

Darrell was the first-born son of Lincoln and Irene (Graves) Neuberger on February 20, 1951. He was raised on a farm near Ackley, Iowa, where he first made his mark as a talented multi-sport athlete, graduating from Ackley-Geneva High School in 1969. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Ackley. Darrell continued his education and athletic career at Iowa Central Community College in Eagle Grove, where he played basketball, and later transferred to Iowa State University to earn his Bachelor's degree in Animal Science in 1973. He went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. Doc was united in marriage to Diane Larson on September 30, 1972. After graduating from the Vet College, they moved to Garner, where he joined the Garner Veterinary Clinic. Doc and Diane built a life there for over four decades, contributing deeply to the community they called home. Doc was a proud member of the Garner Volunteer Fire Department, where he served faithfully for 32 years, including time as the Assistant Chief. In 1997, Docl accepted a position with Fort Dodge Animal Health as a Swine Health Management Veterinarian. He furthered his expertise by completing the Executive Veterinary Program in Swine Health Management at the University of Illinois in 2000. His career later led him to Zoetis, where he was inducted into the President’s Circle in 2013 for his outstanding contributions. Throughout his career, Doc remained committed to veterinary education. He mentored students as the Swine Veterinarian Intern Program Lead and participated in programs such as Operation Main Street to support future veterinarians.

Doc’s professional leadership has been recognized at the state and national levels. He served as President of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association from 2005 to 2006. In 2014, he was recognized as the American Association of Swine Veterinarians' “Technical Services Veterinarian of the Year,” and in 2018, he was honored by his alma mater for his contributions to the enhancement of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Doc was an avid Iowa State Cyclones and Cleveland Indians fan. He was a loyal supporter of ISU athletics and had held football season tickets since 1977. Outside of his professional and academic passions, Darrell found great joy in golfing, hunting, and especially fishing, whether on Clear Lake or in the Canadian wilderness of Lake Lac Seul. He also loved to BBQ—especially pork loin—and was well known for cooking for many events. He even earned a certification as a Kansas City BBQ judge.

Doc is survived by his beloved wife Diane; their two daughters, Kristin (Jamar Hardy) Neuberger of Brooklyn Park, MN and Erin (Nick) Luders of Fort Lauderdale, FL; a son-in-law, Bill Mayland; six cherished grandchildren, Gillian, Samara, Atticus, Hendrix, Jax, and Robert; and one great-grandchild, Roman. He is also survived by his brothers, Ron, Marlyn, and Brent (Jackie) Neuberger; sister-in-law, Marcia (Steve) Loux; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Lincoln Neuberger; his daughter, Melissa Mayland; and his faithful dogs, Ginger and Maggie.

His warmth, dedication, and love for family, community, and the outdoors will be missed deeply by all who knew him.