Deacon Darrell P. Smerz, 89, of Tomahawk, was born to Eternal Life Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Darrell was born to Peter and Harriet (Orlick) Smerz in Milwaukee on March 17, 1931. He was united in marriage to his best friend, Donna Larson, on Jan. 13, 1951, also in Milwaukee. Darrell spent his elementary school years at St. Joseph’s in Milwaukee and moved with his parents to Tomahawk in 1945. He graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1949. He had been a Captain in the Milwaukee Fire Department for 28 years. He was a past president of the Milwaukee Fire Fighters Local 215 and editor for the Milwaukee Fire Fighters Magazine. Following retirement, Darrell and Donna moved back to Tomahawk. He was ordained a deacon on Aug. 19, 1991 for St. Mary Catholic Parish. He was a former Hunter Safety Instructor, a past member of Tomahawk Fishing Unlimited, and volunteered for Tomahawk Historical Society. Darrell taught an anti-drug program in the public school system and assisted in fundraising for the Salvation Army by recruiting what he lovingly called the “ding-a-lings.” He also served as a mentor in the Tomahawk Kinship program and was appointed by the mayor to serve on the Zoning and Planning and Pest Control Commission for the City of Tomahawk. His ministry to nursing homes, hospitals, and shut-ins was a joy in his life.

Surviving Darrell Smerz are his wife, Donna; children, Mark Smerz, Milwaukee; Paul (Kelly) Smerz, Shorewood; Andrew (Nicky) Smerz, Waukesha; Geralyn (Gary) Sweet, Tomahawk; Mary Smerz, Tomahawk; and Patricia (Terry) Hurst, Tripoli. He is further survived by 20 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and countless other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at 12 p.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church. It will be concelebrated by the Most Reverend James P. Powers, Bishop of Superior and Fr. Louis Maram Reddy. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in the spring. The family will receive friends at St. Mary Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at 12:00 pm. Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.

Memorials are appreciated to St. Mary School or Lincoln County Humane Society.