Darrell Holsteen Obituary

Darrell Alan Holsteen went peacefully to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at the age of 83 after a long struggle with lung fibrosis. He was a longtime resident of Glen Ellyn until 2008 when he moved with his wife, Muriel, to Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream. Darrell was born on October 26, 1926 in Yarmouth, Iowa, the son of Edward and Lulu Holsteen. He grew up on the family farm with his even siblings. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Army which included a tour of duty in Korea. In 1947, Darrell began his educational pursuits at Wheaton College where he met his wife, Muriel Bray. They were married on August 15, 1952 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. He earned his B.S. from Wheaton College, his M.S. from Northern Illinois University and his Ed.D. from Loyola University. Darrell spent his professional career dedicated to public education, serving as Superintendent of Glen Ellyn District 89 for 25 years and Assistant Superintendent of Business in LaGrange Park District 105 until he retired in 1988. Although Darrell left the farm, it never left him. He was an avid gardener who derived great pleasure from giving his grandchildren rides on his John Deere tractor. He had a deep personal faith in Jesus Christ that he never failed to share or express with others. He was a long time member of Wheaton Bible Church, where he served in various capacities including Sunday School teacher, Stephen Minister, ESL teacher aide, and Elder. He served on the World Relief Board and for many years o the DuPage County Prayer Breakfast Committee. He also served his local community in many other capacities and was a member of many professional organizations. Darrell is survived by his wife Muriel; sons, Dennis (Mickey), Mark (Traci) and Kevin (Becky); daughters, Marla Ursiny (Tim) and Jana Weber (Steve); 13 grandchildren, Heather Pinarci, Hilary Holsteen, Shannon Howell (Ken), Joel Holsteen, Whitney Holsteen, Ethan Holsteen, Nikki Holsteen, Zachary Ursiny, Colton Ursiny, Vance Ursiny, Britney Weber, Cody Weber and Braden Weber; three great-grandsons, Lennon Pinarci, Cayden Armentano and Nathaniel Howell. He is also survived by his siblings, Verdaine Holsteen (Bernita), Valerie Holsteen, Marveline Bailey, Verle Holsteen (Patti), Donnaline Street (Harold), Lita Joyce Holsteen Duck (Gene) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dalton and Melbourne, Melbourne's wife Miriam, brother-in-law, Lloyd Bailey and brother-in-law Dale Totemeier. His eldest sibling, Faith Totemeier followed him in death on September 13, 2010. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010 from 3-8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Avenue, West Chicago, IL. 60185. Interment will be private at Forest Hill Cemetery in Glen Ellyn, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either Wheaton Bible Church, Missions Department, 27w500 North Avenue, West Chicago, IL 60185; or to World Relief DuPage, 1825 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187. Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.