Daryl Richard Starfeldt

The angels came on Thursday May 31, 2018 to take Daryl Starfeldt, 66, to his heavenly home. His loving family was with him, as he took his last breaths. He fought like a walleye swimming with and against the current for many years battling various types of cancer. He was born November 25, 1951 to the late Lorenz Sr. and Edith (Reinke) Starfeldt in Appleton, where he resided all of his life.

Daryl will be remembered as a loyal husband, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather and friend. He was a man of very few words, but once you got him talking about fishing, boating, one of his many multiple hour fishing adventures on lake Winnebago, the Wolf River, or stories of fishing in Oshkosh, hunting, a gun raffle, his garage, or his family, you’d soon realize what truly mattered in his life.

Daryl was a 1971 graduate of Appleton West High School.  Daryl’s first job was at Treasure Island. He then worked for Neenah Paper for 33 years working downtown and at the Finishing Center. This was where he made sure to always share the lunchroom stories with many friends until his cancer forced retirement in December of 2014.

On November 25, 1973 Daryl met the love of his life while he was out celebrating his birthday and she was out celebrating hers. Just one year and five days later, Daryl married Diane at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Appleton. Daryl and Diane then welcomed their children, Amy & Brian. In 2016 the Starfeldt family grew when daughter-in-law Laura, son-in-law Dan, and grandson Blake joined the family. Daryl was excited for the upcoming birth of Brian and Laura’s baby, “Baby Star.”

Daryl is survived by his loving wife of 43.5 years Diane, children: Amy (Dan) Micke of Brillion, Brian (Laura) Starfeldt, and grandson Blake Pahlow, all of Greenville. 

Daryl is survived by his brother Lorenz Jr. “Brother” (Bonnie) Starfeldt. He is further survived by his second family, Diane’s Family: Barb (Dave) Essler, Darlene Reinke, Mary and fishing buddy (Ken) Williamson, Patti (Gary) Skiba, Gary (Teri) Neubert and Maryann Neubert. He’s also survived by his two godsons, Ross Starfeldt and Shannon Reinke.   He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Daryl will also be dearly missed by his special friends: Jerry Bestul, Dave Vandenberg, Terry (Regina) Sliger, Patrick Sliger, and Bill & Tammy Stumpf.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, mother & father-in-law Russell (Cecelia) Neubert, sisters and brothers-in-laws, Jean (Rich) Moore, Beverly “Sis” (James Sr.) Salzman, in-laws, Joan (Earl) Grelson, Donna Schwister, David Neubert, Roger Reinke, and many other family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:30 am at St. Pius X Catholic Parish, 500 W. Marquette St., Appleton, WI. Family Friend Rev. Timothy Brandt will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00am until 11:15am. 

Eileen Steinke we can't thank you enough for everything you’ve done for us. When someone talks about an angel, it’s you we think of. 

Laura and Dan,

When Daryl got sick, you both took on the extra tasks that needed to be done as if it was for one of your own parents without ever complaining. You both have also embraced Amy, Brian and I during one of the toughest times in our lives. 

Thank you for being there for Daryl, Amy, Brian and me.  Love, Diane

We’re grateful for each and every one of our family and friends who took the time to visit; Daryl was truly rich because of those who shared in his life.

We would like to thank Dr. Timothy Goggins for his compassionate and loving care he gave Daryl and our family. Sara, Alyssa, Sam, Jen, Suzette and the entire team at FVHO that was part of our “FVHO” family, your gentleness and warm hearts will never be forgotten during some of the most devastating times in our lives. You were amazing.

We would like to thank all of the staff on Floor 7 at ThedaCare-Appleton for the wonderful care and concern you showed while Daryl was in your care. 

Kelly & Laura from hospice, we only had a short time together to care for the man that meant the world to us, but your impact was so warm and caring during this extremely difficult time.  Thank you.

Daryl,

You always went out of your way to make sure we were all cared for. Even though we can’t see you, we know you’ll always be watching over us.  Love, Wife, Daughter and Son. 

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