Darel Wayne VanDrisse passed away peacefully, with family at his side, on June 24, 2026, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
Darel was a caring and generous father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be remembered as a man who honored his country, truly enjoyed living life to the fullest, and spoke with passion for what he believed in.
Darel was born June 24th, 1943 to William and Leona VanDrisse in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. He is survived by his three children, Steve (Barbara) VanDrisse, Ken (Kelly) VanDrisse, and Lori (Brad) Harrison; and his former wife, Marlene Sokol; his grandchildren, Jherney, Quinnah, Azllyn, Trevor, Tanner, Matt, and Missy; his great-grandchildren, Graham and Sloane; his brothers and sisters, Bev Ziemer, Donald (Rosie) VanDrisse, Janice (Lynn) Hoida, Debbie (John) Tassoul, Kim Poczatek; and his brother-in-law, Harvey Kostreva.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Boy” and Leona VanDrisse; his sister, Nancy Kostreva; his brother-in-law, Jim Ziemer; and his former father-in-law and friend, Arnold Risner.
Darel’s working life kept him busy, beginning at Armour Meats in Green Bay, then to Friday Canning in Coleman. He later co-owned Bay Mower & Tractor for a time before finishing his career driving flatbed for Anderson Trucking Service.
Darel’s life was also filled with the things that brought him joy. He loved football and baseball, with pitching being where his heart truly was. That love of the game stayed with him well into his 40s, when he could still be found playing on multiple community teams at once in a single season.
He stayed active with card games like sheepshead and smear, and snowmobiling with family and friends. His most recent pursuit for perfection was playing on the Equity Dart Ball Team. If he were to give you the facts sheet, he was most definitely their top shooter . If you couldn’t find him around town, you’d find him hunting or fishing at The Jitterbug Club, “up north”, where family and friends were always welcome—or sharing a meal with his Breakfast Club buddies. Darel always knew where to find a good deal, a good laugh, and lively discussion.
One of his favorite hobbies was classic cars. He never forgot the pride of buying his first brand-new Corvette in 1967. Years later, he added a yellow, 1975, Corvette convertible, and most recently, restored a 1955 Chevy, with one of his sons.
For anyone that knew Darel, there was no way of overlooking his dedication and unwavering loyalty and respect for the armed forces. He was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 21 and served his country in Vietnam from 1965-1967. He was honorably discharged in 1971. He supported countless military charities, both locally, and outside his community. He was also a proud lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW.
Darel was not a man of many words, but when he spoke, his words carried deep passion and conviction for what he believed. He gave his love and time wholeheartedly to his family, showed kindness and genuine support to his friends, and had the utmost respect and honor for his country. He will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who were blessed enough to know him. His legacy will be lovingly remembered and cherished.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11, 2026. He will be honored with Military Rites at 12:30 p.m. at Equity Park, followed by a gathering of family and friends in the hall. Come as you are and don’t forget to bring your memories.
Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home of Coleman is assisting the family.
