Darrell (Dillon) G. Kinney, 80
Darrell (Dillon) G. Kinney of Stevens Point, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 after an on-going battle with cancer.
Darrell was born January 9, 1933 in Stevens Point to Irving Maurice and Ina Marie Kinney. Darrell entered the United States Marine Corps on January 25, 1950 in Chicago. He served his country as a SGT during the Korean War. To this day, he holds the original cease fire documentation as he and his troops held the Berlin Hill when the conflict came to an end in July of 1953.
He was very proud of holding that hill and not surrendering, even though all but 4 men in his platoon were killed in action. After serving his country and being honorably discharged on January 24, 1954, he returned to Stevens Point.
On June 25, 1955 he married Geraldine (Geri) Duda. She survives. Together they raised six children. David (Leslie) Kinney, Cheryl (Mark LaRoux) Szymanski , Tom (Lori Shifflett) Kinney, Gary (Renee) Kinney, Joe (Bonnie) Kinney all of Stevens Point and Carole (Terry) Benzschawel of Kronenwetter. Darrell also had 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Raquel Szymanski, Stevens Point, Nicole (Jeff) Young, Wisconsin Rapids, Josh (Bria Vehrs) Newton, Wausau, Zach (Emily) Newton and their son Abram, Mosinee, Jacob (Chelsea) Newton, Kenai AK, Cale (Allison) Newton of EauClaire, Krystal (Chris) Kleman and their children Marissa and Caden of Hatley, Dana (Scott) Kruessel, Mosinee, Mackenzie Kinney, Lauryn Kinney, Jolene Kinney and Ali Kinney all of Stevens Point.
Darrell held several positions in Portage County including County Board Supervisor, Town of Linwood Chairman and Township of Linwood Assessor. He also had several career adventures throughout his lifetime including owner of Dillons Tap, Pipefitter for Consolidated Papers, Midstate Distributors, Sales Rep for Gateway Liquor, Feltz Lumber, Security Fence and most recently Duralum Siding (Central Wisconsin Wholesale). In his free time, Darrell enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, local politics, reading the newspaper from cover to cover and most of all spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father and three brothers, Ferdinand, Stevens Point, Richard, Lake Mary, FL and Clifton, Lakeland, Fl.
Services will be held at Shuda Funeral Chapel in Stevens Point, on Friday, December 20, 2013 with visitation from 10:00 – Noon. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Noon at the chapel. Dwaine Habrat will officiate. Burial will follow at the Linwood Cemetery with full military honors.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com