Darrell J. Downs

In lieu of gifts and flowers please direct donations to the family for a cause to be decided at a later date. Please send to P. O. Box 103, Marcus, IA 51035. 

Darrell J. Downs, 87, of Marcus, IA, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 at Unity Point Health-St. Luke’s in Sioux City, IA. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus with Rev. Timothy Pick officiating and Deacon Jerry Bertrand assisting. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery in Marcus, IA. Rosary will be at 2 p.m., visitation will follow with family present until the vigil prayer service at 5 p.m. on Sunday all at the Church in Marcus. Visitation will resume 1 hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Services have been entrusted to Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Marcus, IA.

Darrell was born Dec. 26, 1937. After his birth he was taken to St. Monica’s Orphanage by his birthmother. He was there for 2 years, his loving parents James and Leona (Raskopf) Downs welcomed him into their loving home after getting word they would be his parents the day before Thanksgiving. He was welcomed into the family with brother Tommy and sister Marcia. Years later he also gained a sister Nancy. Darrell was raised at St. Benedict, IA. He attended St. Cecilia High School in Algona, IA graduating in 1955. He then went to college in Mankato. After graduating from college he worked with Moorman Manufacturing in Quincy, IL.  

On Nov. 5, 1968 he married Doris Wills. With this marriage he became the father of 2 little boys.. later welcomed a daughter. Darrell continued to work for Moorman Manufacturing until his retirement in 1994. He then worked for Sand Seed Service holding meetings for 10 years. Darrell was also on the city council in Marcus and was mayor for 17 years. He remained active in economic development for Marcus and Cherokee county. His goal was to keep Marcus, Iowa on the map and always had a project on his mind.

Darrell was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He also taught CCD for many years. He was on the State Savings Board, Little Sioux Corn Processors Board, Siouxland Ethanol Board, Heartland Care Center Board. He was written about in Forbes Magazine for Ethanol. He was citizen of the year for Marcus in 2014, received the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 2003 and the SIMPCO award in 2009 and 2012. 

His joys were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed his grandchildren’s sports events, fall vacations and spur of the moment trips to Omaha, NE. He also enjoyed a three-course meal from McDonalds. He treasured his 87th birthday with family at a dinner.

Survivors include his wife, Doris of Marcus, IA; children, Steve (Janice) Taylor of Urbandale, IA, Greg (Bobbi) Taylor of Marcus, IA, Darcy (Allan) Reuter of Marcus, IA; his 7 grandchildren, Jacob (Sarah) Taylor, Emily (Alan) Olson, Samantha (Tyler) Schultz, Nick (Katherine) Taylor, Zach (Jenna) Reuter, Megan Taylor and Molly Reuter; 13 great-grandchildren, Brady, Addie, Colin, Lincoln, Kinsley, Sam, Matt, Ciena, Theo, Stella, Sylvie, Grace and Maria.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tommy; sisters, Mary Ellen Downs, Marcia (Harold) Thill and Nancy (Duane) Blau.

Casket bearers will be his grandchildren, Jacob Taylor, Emily Olson, Samantha Schultz, Nick Taylor, Megan Taylor, Zach Reuter and Molly Reuter.

Honorary bearers will be Chuck Schmillen, Joel Owens, Clay Leavitt, Gary Edwards, Blake Roepke, Nick Bowdish, Larry Alesch and Henry Pfeffer.