Darrell Rogness
Darrell S. Rogness, 85, of Waukon passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, July 2, 2026, surrounded by his four daughters. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Fr. Philip Agyei officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, both in Waukon.
Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon where there will be a 3:45 p.m. Scripture Service.
Darrell Sanford Rogness was born October 8, 1940, to Sanford and Evelyn (Erickson) Rogness in Wabasha, MN. The family lived in Kellogg, MN, until Darrell was nine years old, at which point they relocated to Monona. Darrell was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and later joined the Catholic Church.
Darrell graduated from Monona High School in 1958, and August 30 of that same year he married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Schofield. Together, they celebrated 54 beautiful years of marriage before her passing in 2012.
The early years of their marriage took them to Ohio, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque, where Darrell worked as a meat cutter. They eventually returned to the area and Darrell worked alongside his father at the family sawmill in Monona.
Around 1963, Darrell purchased his father’s sawmill in Waukon, which is where he and Suzanne established their roots and raised their family.
Darrell and Suzanne owned and operated the Rogness Sawmill on the southeast side of Waukon for several years. He spent the remainder of his career as a logger, buying and selling timber throughout the tri-state area. He enjoyed the outdoors spending countless hours walking through the woods, assessing timber with seasoned skill that made him a respected logger. He loved spending time at the sawmill and in his retirement years he continued with this passion with a purchase of a Wood-Mizer, which he operated at the Needham farm.
Darrell’s family time was a source of joy throughout his life. Darrell loved fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and water skiing. This became the backdrop of shared family time. He taught his four daughters how to cast a line, steer a snowmobile, and stand confidently on skis, always with patience and a smile. He was a talented slalom skier. Many of their best family days were spent together on the river or in the camper, where Darrell’s love of the outdoors became their shared adventure, their family time, and the place where his lessons took root.
Hunting was something he treasured doing with his close friends, creating years of camaraderie, and memories. Friendships were very important, many friendships were made over the years and he would often be greeted with “Hey Buzzsaw” or “Hi Roggie”.
Darrell and Suzanne loved to dance, and they spent many wonderful nights dancing at area ballrooms. They were a fantastic duo on the dance floor. They also had many close friends that they gathered with, playing cards, bowling, camping, and participating in parades with their antique car.
Darrell was a dedicated member of the community. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He served on the Waukon Fire Department and belonged to the Allamakee Antique Auto Club, serving as president for a term.
Nothing made Darrell light up quite like his grandchildren. He rarely missed a local sporting event and followed all of his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities. A quiet man with a powerful presence, Darrell’s words were few, but his impact was immense. His kind, gentle spirit stayed with him all the way through his final days.
Darrell found companionship with his special friend, Sharon Bruening. Their friendship added comfort, laughter, and much joy to Darrell’s days, enriching this chapter of his life.
Darrell is survived by his daughters: Pat Rogness of Alleman, Barb (Kim) Thies of Waukon, Jane Fahey of Verona, WI, and Sarah (Tim) Waters of Waukon; eight grandchildren: Chris Kurth (Sarah Strong), Ashley (Brad) Mathis, Alexandra Thies, Carter (Laura) Thies, Marissa (Alex) Walz, Austin Fahey, Brock (Chloe) Waters, and Colin (Allie Birkey) Waters; eight great-grandchildren: Bralynn, Breegan and Baizley Mathis, Kira Kurth, Payton and Henry Thies, Madden Waters and Emerson Walz; a step-granddaughter, Amy (Greg) Byrnes; three step-great-grandchildren: Thomas (Kaylee) Byrnes, and Olivia and Lucas Byrnes; a brother, Dennis (JoAnn) Rogness of Crown Point, IN; a brother-in-law, Larry (Sheri) Schofield of Elko, MN; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Schofield and Deb (Bruce) Kubitz, both of Waukon; and a special friend and companion, Sharon Bruening of Volney.
He was preceded in death by his wife Suzanne in 2012; his parents Sanford and Evelyn Rogness; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Judi Rogness; a step-granddaughter, Meghan Thies; and a brother-in-law, Tom Schofield.
Casket bearers will be his grandsons, Chris Kurth, Carter Thies, Brock and Colin Waters, Austin Fahey, Brad Mathis and Alex Walz, and his nephew Jeff Rogness.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
