Darrell Gene Lekies, age 71, of Merrill, WI passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 11, 2022. Darrell was born on March 28, 1951 in Medford, the second of five children, to Roy and Mabel (Meschefske) Lekies. He attended Medford Public schools and graduated from Medford High School in 1969. He then entered the U.S. Army, serving in Viet Nam, and received an honorable discharge in 1972. He worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Factory in Merrill for 46 years and was very proud that he never missed a day of work. He made many lifelong friends from his years there, going out for morning coffee and Friday fish fries. An avid sports fan, especially pro football and baseball, he could name teams, players and statistics of most professional teams. He had an extensive sports card collection that he started as a child. He loved to read and enjoyed garage sales, hunting for that special book or baseball card. He proudly went on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2018. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford.
There will be family graveside rites at a later time. Buettgen Funeral Home of Schofield and Wisconsin Cremation Society are entrusted with the arrangements.
Darrell is survived by his siblings Judy (Bob) Robida of Stetsonville, Gordie (Carol) Lekies of Medford, Terry Lekies of Hurst, Texas and Dr. Kristi Lekies of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews and nine grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy in 2004 and his mother, Mabel in 1993.