Born in Wisconsin on September 27, 
1975.  Born first by 2 minutes to his 
twin Derick.

Darrell was Baptized at St. Peter's Catholic Church Kenosha, wi along with his twin Derick.  His Godfather is John Gillis and his Godmother Sandra Whiteside. 

Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis



Darrell had a preschool eye exam that showed an abnormality.  He then, was seen in Milwaukee by experts.  My parents were told this parasite was in his eyes and could cause blindness.  In 1981, Darrell's Retina started to detach and surgery was needed to save his sight. He lost sight in his right eye.  Darrell suffered pain from his dead eye for the rest of his life.  He had gone through many steroid injections into his eye to help with pain but,only temorarily.  As he grew older it only got worse.  Unfortunately, for all of his insurance carriers this would forever be a pre-existing condition.  He had many doctor bills and eventually couldn't afford to go anymore.  He suffered everyday a pain we can only imagine about.  The pain affected his eye, head and neck.  But, in true Darrell fashion he still enjoyed life and all the people in his life. I think God brought Darrell home for his body had had enough.  Darrell's free spirit still lives and inspires us all everyday.  

Darrell attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Kenosha, Wi for the very beginning of his schooling. Here his second grade teacher brought it to our parents attention that Darrell was Dyslexic. In the 80's, research about this neurological disorder was just begining. He had been seen at the University of Madison Wisconsin.  But, that was more about studying him than helping him.  Learning was extremely difficult all through Darrell's school years.  But, he always put in the extra, extra effort. For this simple thing, the ability to read, the most of us take for granted.  Today, there are many Dyslexic centers and many alternatives for learning. Now, even refering to it as a gift.



Dyslexics are special thinkers unlike anything most of us can imagine. But, we always knew that about Darrell.

During, elementary school Darrell played soccer on a kenosha league along with his brothers. 

Darrell along with his brothers Leo and Derick wrestled in Junior High.  Darrell and Derick were very flexible and I loved to watch them wrestle.  Leo was good too just not so flexible.  They loved to do things together.

Darrell had played football for Lance Junior High.  He loved the Packers and was a devoted fan.  He had been to Lambeau field several times with his Dad, brothers and brother-in-law.  The Packer "G" rests on his head stone. Forever a cheese head. 

It's a Girl !!  Kathlynn Elizabeth Gillis  is born to Darrell and Virginia Herek

The Gillis family are and always have been avid pool players.  The first pool table was at our grandparents house.  Then, later one was added to our house.  And when Derick and Leo got their own homes. Their too you will find a pool table.  Darrell played on pool leagues with his brothers and dad.  He was very good despite only having sight in one eye.  



Play on D......

Crystal River, Florida Darrell, Mike and I swam with manatees.  We put on wet suit, smorkels, and flippers and spent a day swimming around with them.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.  We touched them, played with the gentle giants and looked into their eyes.  Now, it is illegal to get in the water with them.  It makes me happy that Darrell experience this during his lifetime.  It was special.

Darrell attended Gateway Technical 

College and received his certificate 

in 

Welding.  He had been on the 

Dean's 

List and had earned many honor's of

 recoginition for his welding.  He 

went on to work for Cordeck.

Born to eternal life

 May 14, 2005 at the young age 

of 29.