Darrell Alan Viola

1950 ∼ 2016

Darrell A. Viola, 65, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 4, 2016, after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was nestled in his sunroom, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 4, 1950, in Kenosha, he was the son of the late Dante and Angela (Rossi) Viola. He was a 1968 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School and a 1972 graduate of Drake University, where he played defensive line for the Bulldogs. On September 6, 1975, he married the love of his life, Kathleen “Kathy” Schlenker at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Darrell was employed as a mortgage banker for Gateway Mortgage for over 27 years. Prior to that, he was selected as Realtor of the Year by his peers. The same year, he served as President for the Kenosha Board of Realtors. In 1996 he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at St. Joseph’s High School in celebration of his accomplishments on the football field. Darrell was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed traveling, watching his children’s sporting events, and golfing. He treasured the time he spent with his family and friends. Darrell is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathy; four children, Mandy (Matt) Weiss, Leo (Ericka) Viola, Dreu (Rachael) Viola and Hailey (Joe) Kohut, all of the Kenosha area; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Fiona, Zoe, Scarlet, Livi, Domenico, Adriana, Leo and Baby Kohut on the way; five siblings, Gayle Swanson, Randy (Kathy) Viola, Linda Buchholz, Barbara (Thomas) Josephs and Dan (Terri) Viola; brothers and sisters in-law, Tom (Carolina) Schlenker, Tim Schlenker, Terry (Susan Andrea) Schlenker, Kris (George Vanecek) Schlenker, Karolyn (Bill) O’Toole, Ted Schlenker, Todd (Sue Bolly) Schlenker, Toby (Marcela) Schlenker and Kim (Mark) Broderick; one aunt, Mary Cardinali; and two uncles, Frank (Beverly) Rossi and Richard Schlenker. He is further survived by many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Darrell will forever be remembered for his kindness, his concern for others, and the way he loved and supported his family and friends. Big D was adored by everyone who knew him. He always had a funny joke or story to share, and his smile was contagious. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Leo and Betty Schlenker; brother-in-law, Jim Swanson, Sr.; and nephews, Corey T. Schlenker and James Swanson, Jr. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Dr. Jim Santarelli, Dr. Malik Bandealy, Dr. Benjo, Dr. Mary, Dr. Todd, Hospice Alliance and all of their family and dear friends. Darrell was well aware of and humbled by the out pouring of support, love and prayers he received throughout this difficult time. It was more than our family could have imagined, and we cannot find the words to express the gratitude we feel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 11th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday at Proko Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Academy would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Darrell’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Dan and Maureen Winkler April 13, 2016
Our sympathy and prayers for Darrell Viola and his family. Dan and Scott knew Darrell from "back when" and I had the pleasure of meeting Darrell and Kathy when their daughter, Hailey, and our daughter, Dana, played soccer together while we lived in Kenosha. When we moved to Lake Geneva, the girls became soccer "rivals", but it was still fun to visit with Darrell and Kathy at the games. We are sorry for your battles and your loss. May you only have the fun and positive memories of Darrell going forward.
Mike and Bobbi Glembocki April 12, 2016
We are so sorry for your lose. Darrell was a friend of Mike's from way back. Our prayers are with you.
Bill and Pat Evans April 11, 2016
To Kathy and family, You are in our hearts today as you celebrate such a wonderful man. Darrell was one of a kind and we feel so blessed to call him our friend. With love and prayers, Bill and Pat
Eileen Deignan April 11, 2016
We are deeply saddened by the news of Darrell's passing. Through mutual friends we have been following his illness and courageous battle. He will always be remembered as a loving and caring man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy and your family. May he rest in peace.Jon and Eileen Deignan, Fort Myers, FL
Mike & Gina Galley April 10, 2016
We were so sorry to hear of Darrell's passing. He was just an all around great guy. Always had a smile and kind word for everyone. Kathy and family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Sobotowicz April 9, 2016
Whenever I got to see Darrell he always had a smile that would light up the room. I know he will be deeply missed by everyone who got to know him. We have all lost one of the really good guys out there. My deepest sympathies go out to Kathy and all of his family.
Frank and Melissa Vignieri April 9, 2016
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Viola Family. Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you.Sincerely,Frank and Melissa Vignieri
Joyce Glerum Brundage April 7, 2016
Kathy and family,I am so sorry to hear of Darrell's death. He was so young! Please know prayers are coming your way.
John Milisauskas April 7, 2016
Kathy and family:Our heart felt feelings go out to you and your family. May the great memories be with you always.Peace, John and Barb M
Denise April 7, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Viola Family for your loss. May you find comfort in God's promise to soon "swallow up death forever" and to "wipe away the tears from all our faces" (Isaiah 25:8)
Bill Schrimpl April 7, 2016
Friends like Darrell don't come around for everyone. For those of us who were his friends a part of us was lost with him. A gentle giant who was full of Love and compassion. We thank God for sharing Darrell with us albeit to short of a time. He will always be remembered.
Jacalyn DiCello April 6, 2016
To the Viola Family,I am so sorry for your loss. He was a star from our class of "68" but was down to earth and nice to everyone. I obviously lost contact moving away from Kenosha and as I thought reading the obituary it is my loss.
Tom White April 6, 2016
A passenger on the train of life who was a gentleman, who will be missed and who moved on far too early!
Lynda Verville April 6, 2016
It was with great sadness that I heard of Darrell's passing. We were classmates throughout our four years of high school and in the same home room. I would say that he was one of the most popular boys if not the most. He never let it go to his head and was always kind and considerate of all his fellow classmates. He was truly a special person.
Dean Vaughn April 6, 2016
Words cannot express the sadness in my heart. Darrell was such a special man in so many ways to so many people. Truly an honest caring gentleman who loved life and his family. The world is a much better place because Darrell was in it. God's blessings on each of you. Rejoice. Christ is Risen. He lives. Now and forever.
Jack Broesch April 6, 2016
KATHY, Tom, Tim, and Family I am so sorry for Darrell's death and the sorrow that all of you are experiencing. My sincere condolences to you, and I will be keeping you all in my prayers.
Bruce & Vanessa Johnson April 6, 2016
What and wonderful man.A kind soul,a loving father,just a great human being.His spirit will live on forever with his wonderful family.
Don & Jeri (Serpe) Nielson April 5, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and family.
Marlene Broesch-Quick April 5, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Viola & Schlenker families. Darrell & I were good friends all through St. Mark & St. Joe's & we grew up down the street from each other. I had been following his illness through mutual friends & it broke my heart to hear the news this morning. The obituary was so beautifully written, for a beautiful person.Heaven just received a great new angel. You fought a tough battle, as I knew you would. You have been in my thoughts & prayers through all of it.Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed. 🙏🏻✝ 🏈🏌
Paul Fredericksen April 5, 2016
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Condolences to the entire family. He was one of the finest gentlemen we ever knew. Paul and Arlene FredericksenEdmonds WA.
Renee Dwyer April 5, 2016
My Heart goes out to all of Darrells family. He had a great presence on this earth and will be greatly missed. This is a difficult time for all, my prayers are with you all.