Daryl D. Kelly

With respect and admiration, we honor the life of Daryl D. Kelly, a man of unwavering loyalty, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. Daryl passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, at the age of 80, after a two-year battle with lung cancer, with his beloved wife Sharon by his side.

Born on November 12, 1943, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Daryl was the proud son of Donald and Marjorie Kelly. He was raised with the values of hard work, loyalty, and humility that would become the foundation of his life. He attended Eau Claire schools and graduated from Memorial High School, where he developed lifelong friendships and a steadfast love for his community.

In 1961, Daryl married his heart’s true home, Sharon Pippenger, beginning a journey of love and devotion that spanned 63 beautiful years. Their marriage was a testament to the power of commitment and partnership, and together they built a life filled with laughter, faith, and the warmth of family. With Sharon by his side, their home became a place where love multiplied through the generations, with four sons, nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson bringing joy and pride to Daryl’s heart.

Daryl lived with a deep sense of duty and loyalty—to his family, his community, and his country, values he carried from his time in the United States Air Force, always holding great respect for his fellow veterans and all who served. Daryl built a career with the Eau Claire County Highway Department, where he worked until his retirement. Never one to sit idle, he also owned Pet Burial Supplies, a business dedicated to providing respectful and compassionate care to families saying goodbye to their beloved pets.

It was in the quiet moments of life that Daryl’s true passions shone. Whether it was a crisp autumn day spent hunting, sharing stories with his family and friends at deer camp, or the thrill of wetting a line, Daryl found joy in the outdoors and the companionship of those he loved. His time at camp, surrounded by nature, became the backdrop to passing down traditions and creating memories that will live on in the hearts of his family. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, cheering on his favorite teams. In his later years, birdwatching from his recliner became a simple pleasure that brought him peace and quiet reflection. A man of routine and camaraderie, Daryl treasured his weekly breakfast with his buddies, a tradition where friendship and laughter flowed as freely as the coffee.

Daryl is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his sister Darlene Kaul (Tom), and his four sons: Dean (Brenda), Craig (Pam), Kevin (PeggySue), and Tim (Paula). His legacy lives on in his nine grandchildren—Nicholas Kelly (Stephanie), Krista Christianson (Kyle), Trisha Tuschl (Brian), David Kelly (Mikey), Justin “Chubbs” Kelly (Megan), Rachel Kelly, Gabriel Kelly, and Joe Kelly—as well as his thirteen great-grandchildren—Ethan P., Jackson, Sloane, Lainey, Brian, Brison, Asher, Regan, Sabyne, Caiden, Liam, Lincoln, and Ethan T., and one great-great-grandson, Jasper James.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Marjorie Kelly, his sister Shannon McNish, and his granddaughter Brooklyn Kelly, all of whom he has now joined in peace.

Daryl’s heart was as strong as his handshake, and his love as enduring as the traditions he passed down. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit remains—steadfast and true, just like the man he was. Daryl’s family will remember him as a man who loved deeply, laughed easily, and lived with quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. In honor of Daryl’s life and his service to his country, we salute him. Rest easy, dear Daryl- your watch is over, but your legacy of love and service lives on in all of us.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tana and her staff at Marshfield Cancer Center in Eau Claire, as well as the nurses at Marshfield Hospital Eau Claire, for the exceptional care Daryl received during his 45 days there. Special gratitude also goes to the staff at Our House Memory Care in Chippewa Falls, who provided compassionate care while he was on hospice.

Funeral services for Daryl will take place at 12 pm (noon) on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Hulke Family Funeral Home with Chaplain John Wigand officiating.  Visitation will take place that day at the funeral home from 10 am until the time of service.  Inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date in the Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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