Daryl Ayotte, age 70, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, with his sister Jackie by his side.

Daryl was born in July 1956 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the son of Elwood and Susie (Boldt) Ayotte. He attended Sioux Falls public schools and Washington Senior High School, earning his GED shortly thereafter.

As a young man, Daryl began what would become his lifelong vocation as a carpenter. He ventured with his brother David to travel the country seeking better carpentry employment, new adventures and prime fishing destinations along the way.

Daryl married Bonnie Damstra, Sheldon IA, in 1987. While living in Minnesota, they raised two children and buried an infant child who died of SIDS. The marriage ended in 1997. Daryl returned to South Dakota, where he would spend the rest of his life and he raised his two children Jaden and stepson Brandon.

He retired from carpentry in 2018 with every intention of becoming an avid fisherman. Though he didn't fish as much as he hoped, he found contentment staying in his home, cooking and baking and enjoying the company of his beloved, adventurous indoor-outdoor cat, Henry.

Beyond fishing, Daryl was a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, a passion he shared with his daughter Jaden. He was known for his quick wit and was simply a fun person to be around. He maintained many lifelong friendships dating back to his grade school years and beyond.

Daryl's heart carried the weight of profound loss. His infant daughter, Leslie Noel, born in 1988, passed away from SIDS in 1989. His daughter Jaden passed away in 2015 at the age of 29. His age, his illnesses, and his losses took their toll. However, though he did not know he was terminal, he mentioned he was comforted by the knowledge that he would be reunited with his daughters someday.

Daryl is survived by his sisters; Jackie Hult (Norm) of Tea, SD, Jan Alton (Aaron) of Fargo, ND, his brother David Ayotte of Ecuador, South America, half-sisters; Amy Edson (Thomas) of Sioux Falls, SD, Donna Waldham (Clint) of Harrisburg, SD, and his sister-in-law Theresa Ayotte, Sioux Falls, SD and many nieces and nephews.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood Ayotte and Susie Symes, his stepfather Charles Symes, his sister Brenda Ayotte, his brother Brian Ayotte and his daughters Jaden Ayotte and Leslie Ayotte.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Miller Funeral Home Southside, 7400 South Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls. At noon, there will be a moment of prayer for Daryl and an opportunity to share memorable moments from his life. A light lunch will be served.