Darrel Crawford
Darrel Elliot Crawford, age 70, of Frankville passed away December 13, 2018 at his home surrounded by family and friends after his one-year battle with a rare form of prostate cancer. A celebration of life for Darrel was held Tuesday, December 18 at the Frankville Fire Station in Frankville. Memorials may be made to the Frankville Fire Department.
Darrel was born May 28, 1948, the son of Leonard and Iona (Rocksvold) Crawford at the Decorah Hospital. He grew up on his family’s farm in Frankville - attending Frankville School. He was baptized and confirmed at the Glenwood Lutheran Church and then graduated from Postville High School in 1966.
He continued his education at Upper Iowa University, as well as Iowa State University. Afterwards, Darrel ran the family farm in Frankville, worked for Szabo Construction in Postville and later at Valley Community Schools as the Grounds & Facility Director.
As a lifelong resident of Frankville, Darrel had a strong commitment to his community. He was always ready to get involved in new projects such as developing dry hydrants for rural residents and jump starting the installation and operation of the Frankville Water District. He also served as a Township Trustee and a County Soil Commissioner.
Darrel proudly served on the Frankville Fire Department for more than 40 years - serving various positions including chief. However, as a certified fire instructor, Darrel’s real passion within the department revolved around education and instruction.
Darrel married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Schlee), at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church June 24, 1972 and celebrated 46 years of marriage. He was a caring and loyal husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor who will be remembered by his desire to help others, his sincerity, integrity, humor and his ‘go er blow’ drive.
Darrel’s favorite pastimes involved fishing and boating on the Mississippi, four wheeling, ‘working’ in his shop, and fine tuning his lefse-making skills. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Darrel is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Chris (Amanda Waters) Crawford of Waukon and Stacy (Danny) Davi of Decorah; his grandchildren, Kaelin, Taylor, Tristyn and Kooper Crawford, and Luca and Adrian Davi; his mother, Iona (Rocksvold) Crawford of Decorah; his mother-in-law, Marie (Adrian) Schlee of Postville; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Connie (Rick) Farrington of Postville, Barb Schlee of Bonita Springs, FL, Laurie (Sam) Curnow of Chanhassen, MN, Bill Schlee of Postville and Tim (Annette) Schlee of West Des Moines; along with many nieces and nephews. Darrel was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Crawford; and his father-in-law, Bill Schlee.
The family thanks Dr. David Heine and Winneshiek County Hospice for their exceptional care and support and Pastor Lynn Noel for his spiritual guidance. A special thanks to the Frankville Fire and area departments.
