Darrell Edward Ness Jr.

Darrell (Skipper) E. Ness, 75, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at his home with his family by his side. He was born on June 4, 1948, in Milwaukee, the son of Darrell Edward Ness (Sr.) and Caroline Ruth (Below) Ness. Darrell’s family moved to Shawano where they bought a drive-in restaurant and he worked as a carhop. After attending Shawano High School, he volunteered to go into the Army in 1967 and was deployed to Vietnam as a Combat Medic. He would be sent to Japan to receive treatment for combat wounds. After which, and for two years, he would work as a medic to help American soldiers sent to Tokyo to heal. After which, he was sent to San Francisco to be a nurse. After graduating as a nurse, he would become a recruiter for the Army.

After almost 10 years in the Army, he would receive The Purple Heart and The Medal of Valor for his service to our country.

Darrell would travel all over the United States for the Army while starting his family, eventually settling in Phoenix, AZ where he started two successful businesses. His love of enterprise led him to another successful career in sales and travel across the country and early retirement back in Shawano, WI where he met Catherine, the love of his life.

They would be happily married for 23 years living in Wisconsin, Missouri, South Carolina, and Georgia before returning to Wisconsin.

Darrell was a master wood carver and teacher of carving. He loved to play golf, pool, and bowl. He loved animals, painting landscapes, reading, listening to Rock & Roll music, and was always the first person on the dance floor. Everyone loved talking to and listening to Darrell’s life’s stories.

Darrell is survived by his wife: Catherine (Viviano) Ness; children: Brian Nguyen, Eric (Crystal) Ness, Mona Ness, and Tiffany (BJ) Fisher; Catherine’s children: Robert (Denise) Olsen, Gina (Cale) Martell, Elizabeth (Rick) Fischer, and Stephen Olsen; grandchildren: Johnny, Ariel, Hunter, Skye, Justin, Giavanna, Kamen, Ella, and Maiya; Catherine’s grandchildren: Mariah, Chase, Courtney, Trevor, Ethan, Caylee, and Sophie; seven great-grandchildren; his brother John (Jill) Ness; his Uncle Terry (Diane) Ness, and other relatives.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents: Darrell and Caroline Ness; his sister Kathleen (Ness) Halverson; his grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Darrell’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Veterans Administration for their exceptional compassion and care. Additionally, Darrell’s family would like to thank Ascension St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton and ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah for doing everything they could for him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to Darrell and Catherine Ness at 3215 S. Hummingbird Ln, Appleton, WI 54915. 

Memorial service to be held on what would have been Darrell’s 76th birthday June 4, 2024, at the private home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe (Linda) Rehorst W7186 Spencer Rd in Appleton from 11AM to 3PM. Guests attending memorial service are requested to wear something purple, Darrell’s favorite color!