Obituary of Deacon Darrell P Smerz

Deacon Darrell P. Smerz, 89, of Tomahawk, was born to Eternal Life Monday, February 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 January 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 August 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 fund raising 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 and 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, February 27, 2021 at 12:00 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. If you do not feel comfortable attending Mass, you may join the family on the zoom link provided below. Krueger Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at kruegerfamilyfuneral.com Memorials are appreciated to St. Mary Catholic School or the Lincoln County Humane Society. ------------------------------- Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Darrell Smerz Time: Feb 27, 2021 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88966356834?pwd=bmIrVHZFeEJGVCszM3R5ZlVEM01idz09 Meeting ID: 889 6635 6834 Passcode: Smerz