Wayne Darrington was born October 27, 1929, in Hesper, Iowa, to Byron and Mae (Orum) Darrington, the third of four sons in a lively, Quaker household. He attended school in Hesper and then in Bayfield, Wis. When his family moved back to Hesper, he went to work for Jesse McMillen pumping gas, welding and machinery repair. As a young man he was known to be graceful on roller skates, water skis and snow skis; he even tackled the ski jump at Westby, Wis.
On August 26, 1950, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Drievold at Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church in a triple wedding ceremony celebrated with Shirley’s two sisters, Irene and Lyle Sampson, and Charlotte and Robert Vang. They lived in La Crosse, Wis., then Dubuque, Iowa, before returning to Hesper, where they made their home and raised their three children. During this time Wayne had worked for Trane Co., sold stainless steel cookware and worked for Arlin Falck and Mabel Lumber Co. In 1962 he and two business partners started their own implement business and thus was the beginning of Mabel Farm Equipment. He and Shirley and later their son, Steve expanded and ran the business until 2001, when they closed the door for the last time. He cared deeply for his employees and customers and was always available for them. He enjoyed taking care of their yard and a large garden and an acre of sweet corn, of which he and Shirley were happy to share with family and friends. Together, they were fortunate to be able to travel to Ireland, Germany, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica plus many cruises and United States tours.
For 59 years Hesper was their home and they were honored to be a part of the Hesper family. They were often seen on their front deck drinking coffee, waving at all who drove by and welcoming all who stopped in.
At age 87, Wayne died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah, Iowa.
Wayne is survived by a son, Steve (Karen) of Decorah; two daughters, Carrie (Jim) Horihan, and Peggy (Dale) Rovang, both of Decorah; five grandchildren: Sarah (Nick) Brynsaas, Decorah, Iowa, Amy (Alex) Roth, Fairfield, Iowa, Kurt Horihan (Abbey Norby), Mabel, Minn, Karla (Andrew) Focht, Villisca, Iowa, and Laura (Jason) Lemke, Decorah, Iowa; eight adoring great-granddaughters: Grace, Olivia, Nora, Lilly, Payton, Jenna, Kylie, and Ava; a sister-in-law, Sandy Darrington; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, of 65 years, and brothers Frank, Bruce and Mark.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 12 at the Hesper Lutheran Church from 5-7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Hesper Lutheran Church on Friday, October 13, 2017, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Matt Larson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be given to Hesper Lutheran Church or Winneshiek County Hospice Program.
Leave a Reply