Obituary of Ronald (Darkie) N. DeGrave - October 3, 2003

Green Bay Press Gazette, October 6, 2003

Ronald N. "Darkie" DeGrave, 56, Luxemburg, died unexpectedly Friday evening, October 3, 2003.  He was born on January 11, 1939 in the Town of Humboldt to the late Norman and Florence (DeGrand) DeGrave.  On July 2, 1962, he married Mary Ann Rozmarenowski at Holy Trininty, Pine Grove.  He served in the US Army Reserve.  Darkie took over his family farm in 1978 until he retired in April of 1999, and began driving tractor for Da‑Ran Farms, Luxemburg.  He loved watching football games, especially the Green Bay Packers.  Darkie loved spending time with his grandsons.

Survivors include his wife Mary Ann; two daughters:  Lynne DeGrave and friend Frank Saldana, Denmark; Brenda and Stephen Etienne, Humboldt, six grandsons:  Ronald, Daniel, Austin, and Raul Saltine; Trent and Brent Etienne; two brothers and four sister‑in laws; LeRoy (Barb) DeGrave, Green Bay, Darwin (Rita) DeGrave, Luxemburg; Linda DeGrave, Sugar Bush; and Rose Mary Thompson, Kewaunee; two sisters and one brother‑in‑law:  Myra DeGrave and special friend Rick, Hortonville; Sharon (Mike) Dax, Luxemburg.  He is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and God children.

Darkie was preceded in death by two brothers; Raymond DeGrave and Lawrence DeGrave. 

Friends may call at McMahon Funeral Home Luxemburg, 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.  Visitation will continue between 9 and 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Sugar Bush.  Prayer service 7 p.m. Tuesday led by Sally Reynen, Pastoral Minister.  Funeral 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church with Rev. Dean Dombroski officiating.  Entombment in the Shrine of the Good Shepard Mausoleum.

A thank you to the Luxemburg Rescue Squad and Luxemburg Medical Center and Luxemburg Medical Clinic for care given to Darkie.          

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.

Submitted by: Ron Renquin