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Darrel McGillis

Darrel McGillis, age 84 of Ellsworth, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2021 at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Charles and Lena McGillis on September 8, 1936. Darrel attended Ellsworth schools, including St. Francis, and graduated in 1954. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1958. He attended University of Wisconsin River Falls from 1958-1962, graduating with degrees in Business Administration and Chemistry. He married Mary Jane Brenner on August 4, 1960 and their union blessed them with four children: Katy, Karen, Patrick, and Jane.

Darrel was a simple kind of man who worked hard and loved much. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and sitting on a log in the woods. He also let his grandkids use his boat. A thing his kids didn’t get to do! He was a deeply religious man now with God.

Darrel is survived by the love of his life, Mary; his children: Katy of Ellsworth, Karen (Randy) Hurtgen of Boyceville, WI, Patrick (Vickie) McGillis of Minnesota City, MN, and Jane White of Spring Valley, WI; grandchildren: Kyle (Andrea) Keller of Colorado Springs, CO, Steven (Kara) Keller of Menomonie, WI, Jade Roinila (Ryan Baker) of Red Wing, MN, Quinn (Erick) Sullivan-Forsberg of Menomonie, WI, Hunter White of Elmwood, WI, Mackenzie White of Spring Valley, WI; and a grand-dog, Henry; great-grandchildren: Lincoln and Leia Forsberg, and True Keller; nieces and nephews: Patti (Jerry) Ingli, Lindsay Lien (Laure Richter), Greg (Nel) Engeset, Angie (Luke) Nelson, Ali (Mitch) Helmueller, and Ara Engeset.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents; Charles and Lena McGillis, Parents In-Law, Francis and Anna Brenner; brother, Stuart (Delores) McGillis; sister, Lorraine(Bud) Engeset.

A Private family Mass will be held at St. Francis Catholic Parish, followed by a private family burial. His final resting place will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery with military honors by the Ellsworth Kinne-Engelhart American Legion – Post 204.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to St. Francis Catholic School of Ellsworth, WI.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, WI, 715-273-4421, www.oconnellfuneralservices.com