Mass of Christian Burial for Darrel Weishaar was held Thursday, May 4 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ruthven. The Rev. Bill Schreiber officiated. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Ayrshire.
Darrel Raymond Weishaar, son of Leonard and Agnes Ina (Kenyon) Weishaar, was born April 1, 1950, in Emmetsburg. He began his education at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Ayrshire. After completing 8th grade, Darrel then attended high school at Ayrshire Consolidated School, graduating in 1968. Following high school, he attended Lewis College in Jolliet, Illinois and had the honor of singing with the Chicago Symphony.
Darrel enlisted in the United States Air Force on April 30, 1971 and was stationed in Italy for two years. He had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, play on the Air Force soccer team, and sail the Adriatic Sea.
After being honorably discharged on April 29, 1975, Darrel attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor's Degree. He later went on to complete a Master's Degree in Counseling from Western Illinois University.
Darrel farmed near Ayrshire with his father and after Leonard’s death Darrel continued farming and caring for his mother. He drove semi, cross country, for a couple of years before he became the school counselor at South Clay Community School. Darrel also substitute taught in Ruthven and Spencer. He was later employed at Skyjack for a few years and then at RANCO in Sioux Rapids and Aluma Manufacturing in Emmetsburg.
He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ayrshire for many years until its closing. Darrel played organ for church services as well as weddings and funerals. He went on to become the organist at Sacred Heart in Ruthven and was a member of Holy Family Parish.
Darrel was a talented musician, playing countless instruments. Some of his favorites were organ, fiddle, violin, and mandolin. He loved entertaining and would often perform for the residents at the nursing homes. Darrel also participated in community theatres in both Emmetsburg and Spencer, acting and playing in the orchestras. He also enjoyed playing in the summer band.
Darrel had a great sense of humor and could often be seen in his little car, driving very fast down the gravel road, in a cloud of dust. He loved doing things with his nieces and nephews. When they were younger, he often saved a couple of rows of corn so he could take them out during harvest and have them hand pick the corn and he was always ready to give them a tractor ride. Darrel always enjoyed the cats around the farm and liked the birds.
Darrel passed away Monday, May 1, 2023 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg at the age of 73. He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Leo; his parents, Leonard and Ina Weishaar; and brother-in-law, Don Motz.
He is survived by his brother, Gary (Kay) Weishaar of Perry, Iowa; sisters, Lois (Denny) Dotson of Milford, Iowa and Donna Weishaar Motz of Urbandale; nieces and nephews, Brad (Heather) Dotson, Mitch (Andrea) Dotson, Jill Dotson, Amanda (Joe) Losee, Jessie (Dawne) Weishaar, Layton (Diana) Weishaar, Alyse Weishaar and Ethan Weishaar (fiancé, Kelly); as well as other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
