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 was raised on the family farm with his seven siblings and always had many entertaining stories to share about his upbringing.  After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Army which included a tour of duty in Korea.  While serving there, he played trombone in the touring marching band and also became a proficient ping-pong player.  He enjoyed playing the game over the years with his children and grandchildren, usually winning each time, much to their dismay.

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 beginning in 1952 when he became a teacher at Wagner School in Glen Ellyn District 89.  In 1953, he became the district's first Superintendent and served in that capacity until 1978.  During that time, he oversaw the design, construction, and management of five additional schools in the district.  He then served as Assistant Superintendent of Business in LaGrange Park District 102 until he retired in 1988.

Although Darrell left the farm, it never left him.  He very frequently took his family to his Iowa farmhouse, which helped to instill his quiet farm family values within his children.  In his spare time, Darrell would likely be found working in his several garden locations, all of which seemed to expand every year with the help of his notorious rototiller (which he gladly lent to anyone who shared his passion for gardening).  In order to protect his gardening "investment", he was always coming up with new ways to frighten away rabbits, raccoons and possums.  He also derived great pleasure from giving his grandchildren rides on his John Deere tractor, his prized possession.

Even more than gardening, Darrell enjoyed serving the Lord.  He had a deep personal faith that he never failed to share or express with others.  After joining Wheaton Bible Church in 1957, 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 on 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 was a wonderful model to his children and grandchildren in the disciplines of prayer and Bible study.  He could be found early each morning reading his Bible and often reminded his children and grandchildren that he prayed for them daily.  He was a humble and dedicated Christian servant who received great joy from showing grace to others.

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 Duke (Gene), and numerous nephews and nieces.

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 Saturday, September 18 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.

For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.