Darrill L. Abel

Darrill Lee Abel, 84, of Ames passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Stevens Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Ames, IA with burial following at Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Darrill was born on December 1, 1937 to Charles Myron and Cora (Chase) Abel. He graduated from Oelwein High School in 1956 where he was a member of a State Championship Barbershop Quartet as a 2nd tenor. He married Geraldine Louise Holthaus on August 16, 1958 and were married for 64 years. He and Gerry lived in Oelwein, IA, Guttenberg, IA, Nevada, IA, and eventually resided in Ames, IA, where they raised their family.

Darrill attended Upper Iowa University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Minor in Business. He later attended University of Northern Iowa, where he graduated with a Master’s in Business Education. Darrill was a business educator for 38 years and retired from Ames High School in 1999. His passion was his involvement in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), which is the largest student association of marketing students in High School and College in the United States, during his tenure. He greatly enjoyed his DECA students and inspired and motivated changes in many of their lives. Darrill received Teacher of the Year of Ames in 1972 and Iowa Teacher of the Year in 1972. He was known for his sense of humor and loved by many in the Ames Community. Darrill was devoted to his St. Cecilia Catholic church where he was very active. He was an avid golfer, bowler and card player and took much pride in his flowers and gardens. He had a passion for treats; especially Dairy Queen and chocolates, and his candy kettle was always filled with many sweets.

Darrill is survived by his wife, Geraldine of Ames; sons, Mark (Suzanne) of Cedar Rapids, Scott (Susan) of West Des Moines, and Steve of West Des Moines; daughter, Julie of Ankeny; six grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Blessed be the memory of Darrill L. Abel. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race and kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mayo Clinic to fight Alzheimer’s and dementia.