In loving memory

Darrell Virgil Vangsgard

October 12, 1935 – February 18, 2015

Lived 79 years

Riverside · Grantsburg, WI

“A Tribute to our Dad. There are people in this life who shape us, teach us, and leave a mark so deep that we carry it forever. For us that person is you, Dad. Today, we want to pay tribute to the man who not only taught us how to live but gave us the wisdom to make life meaningful. You showed us what it means to have a strong work ethic. You worked tirelessly to provide for the family. In every late night or early morning, you taught us the value of responsibility and the dignity in hard work. You demonstrated that no matter how tired you might be, providing for those you love is both an honor and a privilege. Planning and preparation were your signature traits. Whether it was ensuring that every fishing trip or hunting outing was perfect, or preparing for a simple family gathering, you knew the value of putting in the effort upfront. Thanks to you, I learned that joy often lies in the details and that making sure everyone has a good time takes thoughtfulness and care. Your love for the outdoors is something that forever changed the way we see the world. Whether we were tracking deer through the woods, casting lines in still waters, or just sitting in the quiet moments that nature provides, you passed down an appreciation for the outdoors that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. It’s not just about the hunt or the catch—it’s about being part of something bigger and finding peace and purpose in the beauty of creation. You never put yourself first. In the way you gave your time, energy, and effort to others, you showed us the true meaning of selflessness. We saw it in the way you helped without hesitation, the way you shared without thought for what you might get in return. It’s a lesson we hold onto with every decision we make, inspired by the example you set. Perhaps one of your most lasting lessons was your approach to fixing things—both literal and metaphorical. “Try to fix it yourself before asking for help,” you always said. That advice shaped our independence and our problem-solving spirit. From leaky faucets to life’s harder problems, you taught us to persevere, to dig in, and to believe that we could tackle almost anything if we just put our minds to it. But most of all, Dad, you taught us about the power of memories. Whether it was the small moments, like jokes shared around a campfire, or the big ones, like the thrill of catching a fish, you wove a tapestry of experiences that will stay with us forever. These are the memories we share with our children, ensuring that your spirit lives on through the generations. Dad, thank you for everything—for being the teacher, guide, and rock we needed. Because of you, we know how to work hard, give selflessly, and find joy in the simplest of things. The love and wisdom you’ve shared with us will ripple through our lives and for that, we are forever grateful. We miss you! Mark, Tami, Toni and Kip

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Grand Canyon Trip Life of Darrell Vangsgard