Darrell James Kane

Darrell J. Kane, age 78, currently of Appleton, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026 at his home. The son of the late Michael and Katherine (Rukamp) Kane was born on October 21, 1947 in Green Bay. Darrell faithfully served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for 7 years, serving one tour in Vietnam and remained proud of his service throughout his life, including being a member of the Denmark VFW. On April 30, 2005 he married Gaye Evansen in Freedom, Wisconsin.

Darrell devoted 55 years to the IUOE Local 139 primarily as a crane operator, and held offices as Member Agent and Financial Secretary. A man of great faith, he prioritized regular mass attendance and was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Stark. Outside of work, Darell was a family man and proud father of two sons. He never missed a game when Ryan was playing basketball at St. Norbert College, and attended many of the games he coached as well. He also enjoyed “windshield time” to unwind, particularly on road trips, as well as playing golf, especially with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Gaye; sons: Jesse (Shelley) and Ryan (Paige); grandchildren: Hailey, Jordan, Sadie Ray, Reagan and Mayla; siblings: Leonard (Patti), Kevin (Julie) and Jolene Boehm, as well as a special great-niece Sydney Scott Fonferek.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Scott.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home- Denmark (536 County Road R) on Friday, January 9, from 9:30am until 10:30am. Friends are then asked to meet at St. Mary Catholic Church in Stark (7016 County Road NN, Denmark) for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am with Fr. Xavier Amirtham, O.Praem officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to Gaye for her unwavering support and care of Darrell.