Ricky Dean Darnell

Ricky Dean Darnell, age 67, of Maple Lake, Minnesota, died Friday, January 24, 2025, at his home in Maple Lake, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Swift Falls, Minnesota, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Ricky Dean Darnell was born October 13, 1957, to Ricky and Penelope (Pearce) Darnell at the Hennepin County Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was baptized in the hospital when he was under a year old with chicken pox. Ricky grew up in the Minneapolis area. His family moved around a lot, so he went to several elementary schools. The last elementary school was Clinton Elementary. He went to Bryant Junior High School in Minneapolis and then attended Central High School in Minneapolis, with the Class of ’75. There was a mix-up with his credits, so he got his GED and joined the Marine Corps. His senior year of high school, Ricky lived with his grandparents Delbert and Mildred McCloud. He worked at Frogi’s Restaurant in Minneapolis as a delivery driver. After getting out of the service, Ricky went back to work at Frogi’s as an evening manager. He stayed there for a couple of years. He then worked for BFI as a driver in the Minneapolis area for a few years. After BFI, Ricky worked for Quick Silver as a driver. His most recent job, which he worked up until his death, was at Commercial Container, LLC. He was with them for 21 years. Ricky proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from April 25, 1975 to April 7, 1978. He was stationed in Hawaii during his tour of duty. June 3, 1977, Ricky was united in marriage to Althea Stensrud at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pastor Warren Sorteberg officiated the ceremony. Together they raised their daughter, Angela. Ricky enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family and friends. His hobby was watching the Minnesota sports teams, especially the Vikings, and true crime television shows like Dateline. Ricky was called from this life Friday, January 24, 2025, at his home in Maple Lake, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife Althea Darnell of Maple Lake, MN, daughter Angela Darnell of Maple Lake, MN, furry friends Nugget (dog) and Tiki (cat); mother Penelope Minor of Harris, MO; sisters Lillian (Boone) Darnell of Green City, MO and Cindy (Donny) Harden of Weyerhaeuser, WI; special nieces Charity Kolenc and Leia Edmonds; special nephews Charlie Zinn and Jeremiah (JJ) Stensrud; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding Ricky in death were his grandparents Delbert and Mildred McCloud; and brothers: Aaron Minor, John Minor, and Tom Minor. Blessed be his memory.