Darrel Allen Stella

BESSEMER, Mich. - Darrel Allen Stella, 63, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully at his home during the early morning hours of Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. He is now with our Savior.

Darrel was born on July 1, 1955, in Ironwood, a son of the late Antonio DalSoggio and Elsie Elizabeth (Lassila) Stella. He lived most of his life in Ironwood, attending Roosevelt Grade School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1973.

During his working years, Darrel was a skilled and accomplished all-terrain vehicle and small engine mechanic with employment at Smeeth's Sporting Goods, Chuck's Cycle Shop and Power Pac, of Marshfield, Wis., where he was the service manager for five years. Darrel was proud to be a fully certified Kawasaki mechanic, with schooling in Grand Rapids. In September 1998, he switched careers and began over the road truck driving for Roehl Transport, Marshfield, where he retired from in December 2015, due to declining health.

Darrel was a loving and dedicated father to his three daughters and grandfather to his six grandchildren. He loved Jesus and was an active and faithful member of Cornerstone Church in Ramsay. Darrel greatly enjoyed the four seasons, especially the fall and all its colors. He absolutely loved Lake Superior and could often be found sitting on the beach picking agates. Darrel took pleasure in outdoor activities, including bird hunting, motorcycling, snowmobiling and horseshoes. He enjoyed woodworking, classic cars, cooking and was a passionate cribbage player.

Darrel is survived by his loving daughters, Jennifer Pineda, Theresa Valencia and Debbie (Samuel) Stella-Nelson; and cherished grandchildren, Kyle, Sean and Ryan Pineda, Isabelle and Kagan Valencia and Mira Nelson. He is further survived by his siblings, Brian (Mary) Stella, Cheryl Bunt and Rick Stella; several aunts and an uncle; nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; and countless treasured friends.

Darrel was loved by many and will be dearly missed. He took to heart Christ's promise that if all our days were guided by His ways, He would keep us forever in His heart.

Relatives and friends may call at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel, 806 Putnam St., in Wakefield on Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Visitation will continue on Thursday, Sept. 27, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Cornerstone Church, N10344 Mill St., Ramsay, where a celebration of his life will follow at 11 a.m.

A reception will be held at the church hall following the service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.