Darrell 'Spreader' Richard Symanek Obituary (1955 - 2015)

Darrell (Spreader) Richard Symanek, 59, Rock City, Illinois died at 3:30 a.m., Saturday, July 4, 2015 in his home. Born October 13, 1955 in Freeport, Illinois. He was the son of Joyce and Marvin Last. He lived in the Rock City and Rock Grove area most of his life and was a volunteer for the Rock City Fire Department for many years. Darrell graduated from Dakota High School, Class of 1974. Working on his grandpa Nielander’s farm as a young man, instilled in Darrell a strong work ethic, as well as a deep love for farming and the great outdoors. Later, Darrell was employed by Doug and Jari Berg, as a hired man for 6+ years. For the following 30+ years, Darrell worked in the construction industry. Most recently employed by the Laborers Union Local 32. Darrell loved fishing and trapping and enjoyed the solitude that accompanied these favorite pastimes. If you were invited by Darrell to join him on an “excursion”, you could be certain that you were a cherished friend. Other hobbies included, making handcrafted fishing poles and beekeeping. His interest in refurbishing antique farm equipment and older vehicles served him well, because he was quoted as saying “If you’re gonna drive junk, you have to have a lot of it.” Friends were very important to Darrell. Proof of this was his endless network of friends that he made over the years and kept in close contact with for his entire life. These loyal friends were always there for him, as he knew they would be. Family was a priority for Darrell. Rarely did his miss a holiday celebration or one of many, impromptu family gatherings, no matter how he may have felt that day. But the single most important aspect of Darrell’s life are his son’s Adam & Luke, daughter Kelli and grandchildren, Joan, Max, Cole & Nick. That deep love and pride sustained him and gave him purpose, especially through the last two years of his life. During this last year, Darrell remarked…”There’s a lot of people who’ve lived a lot longer than me, but there aint many people who’ve lived as much as me.” The family wishes to extend our sincere thank you to Dr Michelle Dahm and the nursing staff at Monroe Clinic/Oncology for their unwavering hope and relentless mission to heal. All while loving Darrell for the true individual that he was. Also, thank you to the Monroe Clinic Hospice for their guidance and support. Our heartfelt thanks to Jen for always being there for Adam & Darrell. Your love and care for Darrell will always be remembered and appreciated. Survivors include sons, Adam Symanek and special friend, Jen Moore and Luke Symanek, all of Rock City, Illinois; daughter, Kelli (Matt) Kellogg, Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Joan Symanek and Max, Cole and Nick Kellogg; father, Marvin Last; sisters, Diane (Brad) Wurm and Denise Last, both of Rock City, Illinois; brothers, Dennis (Cindy Pederson) Last and Dan (Deb) Last, all of Rock City, Illinois and canine buddy, Cash. He was preceded in death by his mother Joyce Last. Memorial ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2015 in Rock City Fire Dept Station House, 7600 N Rock City Road, Rock City, Illinois with Reverend Ralph Taylor of Indian Grove Church officiating. Visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home-Durand Chapel, 101 Main Street, Durand, Illinois from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 10. Cremation rites will be accorded. Final resting place will be in Frankeburger Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for The Rock City Fire Department & St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.