Darrell Hurley

Darrell "Joe" C. Hurley, age 83, of rural Sunburg, died Wednesday, January 4, at the Lund House - Hospice of the Valley in Gilbert, Arizona.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the St. James Catholic Church in St. James.  Interment will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the donor's choice are preferred.  Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  (www.petersonbrothers.com)

Darrell "Joe" Cletus Hurley was born on December 15, 1933, in St. James, Minnesota, the son of Sylvester and Valeria (Sandmeyer) Hurley.  He grew up and received his education in St. James and was baptized and confirmed at the St. James Catholic Church.  In 1952, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Philippine Sea.  Following his discharge in 1956, he lived in California and worked on the oil fields and later returned to St. James.  On May 2, 1959, Joe was united in marriage at St. James Catholic Church to Cyrilla B. Poss.  They made their home in St. James where he was employed as a machine operator at Scherr Tumico.  In 1968, they moved to Granite Falls where he worked as a supervisor at Plews.  While living in Granite Falls, Joe was a volunteer fireman for over 25 years.  In 1994, he retired and they moved to Norway Lake near Sunburg, Minnesota.

Most important to Joe were his family & friends. His generous heart spilled over wherever he went and to whomever he met. His smile and laugh were infectious. He was rewarded by family and friends that loved him. The "Lake" was his Green Acres. There was no place he'd rather be. He had a wonderful life and is going to be truly missed by many.

Joe was member of the V.F.W., American Legion and the Eagle's Club.  His hobbies included endless crossword puzzles, coffee on the deck, hunting and fishing, socializing, teaching his dogs tricks and always tinkering with various projects. He loved being the neighborhood handyman and helping others.

He is survived by four children, LaNaye (and Keith) Hennen of Clarkfield, Laurie (and Steve) Bednarek of Madison, Dan (and Darcy) Hurley of Bismarck, ND and Lynn (and Bruce) Flaata of Sacred Heart; sixteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren.  Also surviving is his special friend, Janet Malmgren of St. James; three brothers, Neil (and Vi) Hurley of Kissimmee, Florida, LowWell (and Marcia) Hurley of St. James and Arlo (and Kathy) Hurley of Big Stone, SD.; one sister, Leilani Hurley of St. James, and one sister-in-law, Jackie Hurley of St. James, in addition to many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Cy on July 2, 2002; one brother, Loren; two sisters, Caroline Dougherty and LaVon Goor; two brothers-in-law, Harold Dougherty and Ed Goor; and one great grandson, Marcus Huhn.

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