Mt. Zion – Darrell E. Statzer Jr. 60, of Mt. Zion passed away May 14, 2011 at Kindred Care in Sycamore, IL.
Services celebrating Darrell’s life will begin with a visitation from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, May 17, 2011, at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joel Stevenor officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: The First Presbyterian Church, 4 West Jackson Street, Sullivan, IL 61951. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Darrell was born December 22, 1950, in Sullivan, IL the son of Dr. Darrell E. and H. Leslie (MacNabb) Statzer. He grew up in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan and lived in Detroit, Michigan Norfolk, Virginia and Chicago, Illinois. He attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA for his undergraduate degree and John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL for his Law degree having graduated Magna Cum Laude from both institutions. During his time at Old Dominion University, not only was he a student, but he also worked for the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company as a Life Insurance Underwriter. Upon graduation of John Marshall Law School, Darrell came to Decatur to begin his law career as a Law Clerk for A.G. Weber III who was serving as an Illinois Appellate Court Judge. Darrell went on to be a member of several law firms in Decatur and then started his own law firm.
Darrell always loved the fact that he was helping people in need, so much so, that in his early 50’s he felt a calling to enter the ministry, something he had always wanted to do as a young man. He entered seminary school, and became a lay minister and later the Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Sullivan. Through this process he did his internship in the ministry at Fairhaven’s Christian Home in Decatur and discovered his calling.
He is survived by his wife: Jody of Decatur; sons: Darrell E. Statzer III and his wife Raquel of Portage, IN and Edward M. Statzer of Houghton, MI; brothers: Dr. Shawn T. Statzer and his wife Karen of St. Louis, MO and Todd M. Statzer and his wife Sabrina of Cerro Gordo, IL; nephew: Nicholas J. Statzer of St. Louis, MO; niece: Gabrielle V. Statzer of St. Louis, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Darrell was a vibrant, interesting, and unique Christian man. He always had an ear and a heart for those in need and will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
Custom Obituary
Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home of Mt. Zion
“A Life Celebration Home”
Although I met Darrell after his brain injury, it was obvious he was a very special person. I would bet he was the nicest and most honest attorney in the state of IL, perhaps second only to old Abe. My fondest memory of Darrell was when it was time to shower or brush teeth. Confused, he would curse, try to slap (gently), and pretend to spit (but only blew out air). When he would get feisty, and say bad words to us, we would say, "Darrell, we love you anyway, even if you are mad at us", fully knowing Darrell was just plain pissed off, and who could blame him. He would then realize what he said, it was obvious by the look on his face, and he would burst into tears and say, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I love you". We would give him a big hug, tell him it was OK and say, "we love you too, now lets go take a shower". He was a precious man and I feel privileged to have known him.
To the extended Statzer Family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Chip. Most of us who knew him long ago are just finding out about his passing.
We were good friends through out High School and College, and I will never forget him. What a force of nature!
I remember, when we graduated from High School, that he told me that he wanted to be a Minister some day. It does not surprise me that he accomplished that---and so much more! It sounds as though Chip had a wonderful, loving family, and great friends.
Please know that those of us who knew him so long ago as his Classmates of Grosse Pointe High, Class of '69, will always hold a place in our hearts for him. I am so sorry for your loss....
| George Kappaz |
To the family of an old friend. |
May 1, 2012 |
So very sad to hear of the passing of an old high school friend. My deepest sympathy to the family and all who loved him. We will always remember Chip with love and the fondest of memories.
| Rev. Marilyn Rauch |
Presbyterian minister friend |
May 18, 2011 |
I met Darrell several years ago - when he was in the process of becoming a Commissioned Lay Pastor. Having been an attorney before I went to seminary, I had a lot in common with Darrell, and we had many good conversations. Darrell was such a warm and caring person. The picture with his obituary captures his personality very well. He was funny, engaging, intelligent - a deep thinker. I enjoyed his company and I was heartbroken when he was so serious injured. I will miss him a lot. My love and sincere sympathy go to Jody and the rest of Darrell's family. Please know that you are in my prayers.
In Christ's love,
Rev. Marilyn Rauch
United in Faith Church
Pana, IL
| Karen Smoot |
RN, CRRN |
May 18, 2011 |
I feel blessed to have known Darrell, and to have briefly been a part of his life. My continued thoughts and prayers go out to Jody and the Statzer family.
| Allen Hinton |
Just a freind |
May 18, 2011 |
Dear Statzer Family,
Remembering all the times we got together, shared a meal and had interesting conversation. Darrell allways, allways made me laugh! Really enjoyed your company and your family as well. Most of all remembering all the times we played golf especially the 19th hole (that we carried around in the cooler from hole#1). Darrell will be sorely missed, truly.
Most deeply saddened for your loss,
Allen Hinton
