Darrel L Waddelow

Mt. Morris, IL, Darrel L. Waddelow, age 93, passed away on March 29, 2022 at Pinecrest Terrace, Mt. Morris, IL. 

Darrel was born on January 12, 1929 in Mt. Morris, IL, the son of Walter and Dorothy (Marston) Waddelow. 

He married Donna L. Fleer on June 23, 1951 in the United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL. 

Darrel graduated from Mt. Morris High School Class of 1947. He was a talented athlete in football, basketball and track.  After high school he served in the ECB (Engineer Combat Battalion) of the U.S. 432nd Army Corp of Engineers in Germany during the Korean War.  After returning home from the Army, Darrel became a Pressman for Kable Printing for 43 years, retiring on February 1, 1991. 

He was a member of Disciples United Methodist Church, American Legion of Mt. Morris, Oregon VFW Post #8739 and the Mt. Morris Senior Center.  He served as a board member of the Rockford Bell Credit Union for 15 years.

When Darrel’s five children were growing up he enjoyed attending all their school sporting events and later spending time with his grandchildren.  Darrel and Donna loved to travel and looked forward to their annual trips to Florida.  Darrel was a handyman.  The Methodist Church was Darrel’s second home, as he provided maintenance for the church.  He had a great sense of humor and was known for his “typical dad jokes”.    Darrel enjoyed researching family genealogy and was knowledgeable of Mt. Morris history.  He was patriotic and proudly displayed the American flag.  In 2015, he went on an Honor Flight with his son Douglas to the nation’s capital. 

Darrel is survived by his wife: Donna, Mt. Morris, IL; Sons:  Douglas (Annette) Waddelow, Grayslake, IL; David (Marsha) Waddelow, Santa Ana, Costa Rica; Daniel (Crystal) Waddelow, Greencastle, PA.  Daughters: Darla (Rex) Hamel, San Carlos, Panama; DeAnne (Adam) Auld, Browns Summit, NC.  12 Grandchildren;   

 7 Great-Grandchildren; Several nephews and nieces; and special sister-in-law Janet McNiven.    Darrel is predeceased by his parents; Brother: Donald; Sisters:  Fern Smith and JoAnne Cook.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Pinecrest Terrace and to Dr. Plescia who gave him such loving care. 

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Disciples United Methodist Church with Pastor Julie Bunt and Pastor Rodney Caldwell officiating.  Visitation will be at 10:00 A.M. with the funeral service at 11:00 A.M.  A luncheon at the church will follow the service.  Private family burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Disciples United Methodist Church and Pinecrest Terrace.  Arrangements were entrusted by Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt Street, Mt. Morris, IL,  61054. 

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