Roy Calvin Darnell

Darnell, Roy C. PORTAGE -Roy Calvin Darnell, age 86, left for his final journey from home on Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. Born on Aug. 1, 1928, in Birmingham, Ala., to Chalmus and Emily (Brunson) Darnell, he attended and graduated from Central High School in Madison, Wisconsin. Roy Darnell served in the U.S. Army in SVCO, 63rd Infantry at Kunsan, Korea until Jan. 10, 1948. He received a WW2 Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal Japan. On Dec. 8, 1951, he married Bennora LittleSam and had four children, Arnold, Catherine, Barbara, and Gale. They later divorced, and he married Nancy Schwantes. Roy Darnell lived in Portage, Wis. He worked at Oscar Mayer for 33 years retiring on Nov. 1, 1984. Roy Darnell was most known for being a philanthropist. The charitable causes that he donated to were too numerous to list in their entirety. He was an avid Packer and Badger fan. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing euchre, reading and writing short stories. In his later years, he would spend hours enjoying the beautiful view from his home on the Wisconsin River. Roy Darnell was preceded in death by his parents, Chalmus and Emily (Brunson) Darnell; step-mother, Vera Darnell; wife, Bennora (LittleSam) Darnell; and second wife, Nancy (Schwantes) Darnell; his brother, Edward Darnell; son-in-law, Orbert Goodbear; man’s most loyal friend, Princess; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Survivors include his children, Arnold Darnell of Oakdale, Wis., Catherine Rawson of Madison, Wis., Barbara Goodbear of Wisconsin Dells, Wis., and Gale Darnell (Johnny Abeyta) of Madison, Wis.; his eleven grandchildren, Michelle Darnell, Nathaniel King-Darnell, Garrett Rawson (Andrea), Joel Darnell, Audrey Goodbear, Julia Goodbear (Matt Cook), Ginger Goodbear, Melanie Goodbear, Rosalene Goodbear (Cory Hindsley) , Lisa Stout-Goodbear, and Emily Goodbear; his sister-in-law, Jean Darnell; many special nieces and nephews and special cousins, Helen Griffith and Linda Papa. He is also survived by his 17 great-grandchildren; and his beloved foot warmer, Itty Bitty Kitty. Among the survivors are also his adopted daughter, Wendy Darnell and her two children, Travis and Terry. Private Services were held on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America. Thanks to all the supportive hospice care staff, especially Mike, for their help and support. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420