DARREL G. ZURAKOWSKI, age 50, of Thorp, WI, passed away at Ascension Our Lady of Victory Hospital, in Stanley, WI, on Saturday, December 19, 2020.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at St. Bernard- St. Hedwig's Catholic Church, in Thorp.  Rev. Baskaran Sandhiyagu will officiate, and burial will follow in New St. Hedwig's Catholic Cemetery in Thorp.  Pallbearers will be Ryan Zurakowski, Terry Maier, Craig Osowski, Travis Tieman, Tim Tieman, Dalton Thompson, Chad Miller and Keith Copenhaver.  Visitation will be held at Thorp Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 4pm to 8pm, and again on Wednesday at the church, from 9:30am until time of service.

     Darrel Gary Zurakowski was born on January 18, 1970 in Stanley, WI, to Lawrence J. and Ethel J. (Posda) Zurakowski.  He was raised on the family farm in the Town of Reseburg and received his education at Thorp Public Schools, graduating from Thorp High School in 1988.  After graduation, Darrel worked at Larry's Service Station in Thorp for a few years.  He later worked at Express Disposal for 7 years, and then drove truck for Terry Maier for 10 years.  Darrel was currently employed at Central Builders Supply in Thorp.  He was always willing to give the shirt off of his back and lend a helping hand to anybody, asking for nothing in return.

     He was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp.

     Darrel had many interests, but especially loved spending time with his daughter, Rachel, and family, fixing cars, playing Dirty Clubs and Rummy, cooking, and talking shop.

     He will be dearly missed by his daughter, Rachel, of Versailles, MO; 4 siblings: Ronald Clarke of Madison, WI, Shirley Narlock of Mosinee, WI, Gary (Lisa) Zurakowski of Kronenwetter, WI, Sharon Kilmer of Thorp; one brother-in-law: Bernie Heinrich of Hatley, WI; his faithful dog, Buddy; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

     Darrel was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters: Connie Zurakowski and Beverly Heinrich.