Darrell David Modica

Darrell David Modica, 88, of Willmar, died Sunday, April 6th at St. Cloud Hospital. His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, April 12th at Refuge Church in Willmar. Visitation will be from 4-6:30 pm, Friday at the church with a time of sharing at 6:30. His visitation will continue one hour prior to his service. Burial with military honors will be at Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar. A livestream of the service can be found here. Memorials are preferred to http://www.openheartukraine.org or http://www.troutlakecamps.org. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.
After a life devoted to loving Jesus and loving others, Darrell Modica, of Willmar, MN, went to his final home. His passing was unexpected but no surprise to our Heavenly Father who greeted him when he passed from death to life saying, "Well done Darrell, my good and faithful servant."
Darrell David Modica was born on November 12th, 1936, to Paul and Ethel (Hansen) Modica. Darrell was the third of seven children, growing up in Sioux Falls, SD. The family attended church every Sunday and at age eight, Darrell trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior. This child-like faith implanted a fervor for knowing and serving God. Anyone who knew Darrell would say that his faith was foundational and formative. At age six, he joined the Boy Scouts which reinforced his faith and instilled a zest for adventure. He loved to camp, canoe and be part of a group. He continued in Boy Scouts after high school graduation and became the Scout Leader of his childhood pack. Other lifelong passions that began in childhood were motorcycles, cars, taking things apart, gadgets and outdoor adventures. His patriotic zeal began when he joined the Air National Guard as a senior at Washington High School, serving 20 years. His allegiance to his country was evident.
According to Darrell, his "life changed forever" on April 15th, 1955, when he met Marilyn Smith of Arlington, SD, on a blind date. The following weekend he told his youth group that he had met the girl he was to marry. He was her "keeper" and they married February 21st, 1956, in Denver, while receiving radar technician training for the guard. The next seven years, they were blessed with four daughters; Kim, Dena, Dawn and Karla. Professional Scouting became a career for Darrell from 1965-1972 both in Sioux Falls and Chicago. Summers brought the family to Scout Camp where everyone loved the canoeing, swimming, hiking and camping.
Following his career with the Boy Scouts, Darrell and Marilyn became partners not only in marriage but also in business. From 1973-1996, they worked side by side owning and operating Crossroads Book and Music. Throughout the 23 years, the store expanded to 5 locations in South Dakota and North Dakota. Marilyn and Darrell loved to travel across the country going to the Christian Booksellers Conventions, trainings, or Darrell representing Standard Publishing. Their involvement in Central Baptist Church meant board meetings, choir practice, teaching Sunday School and belonging to a vibrant church community. Darrell loved singing in a barbershop chorus and became a fierce racquetball player. There was always time to coach one of the girl's teams or a game of church softball.
At age 53, they began to scale back at the store, buying lake property near Willmar. Their first mission trip was to Belize and from there they consciously dedicated the rest of their young lives to serve Jesus wherever they were led. In 1996 they officially retired, bought their first of many RV's and moved to Willmar to be close to family. For the next 28 years, they served locally, within the US, and around the world as missionaries, supporting missions by sharing the hope that is found in Christ. As involved members of Refuge Church, Darrell served on boards, led Bible studies and with Marilyn, facilitated a small group. His patriotic spirit compelled him to support veterans and participated in the American Legion the past 12 years. Darrell spent many hours honoring veterans by placing flags, Veteran's Volunteer for Hospice, Honor Guard, serving as the Legion Chaplain and playing taps at funerals. Darrell loved to golf with his buddies and they both cherished their friendships from their camping club of 21 years.
Darrell and Marilyn had the incredible gift of 69 years of marriage. Fifty-two family members now grow from the root of a godly man who loved his wife, his four daughters, his three sons-in-law, fourteen grandchildren, eight grandchildren's spouses and his twenty two great grandchildren. Countless friendships and lives were touched through Darrell's obedient and generous heart.
Recently, Darrell was reflecting on his life with Marilyn and wrote, "This is a fairy tale story but it was real!! God was in the planning from the very first and we accepted His plan for our lives to serve him."
Darrell is survived by his wife: Marilyn (Smith) Modica; four daughters: Kim (Ron) Sawtell, Dena Modica, Dawn (Ross) Marcus and Karla (Ross) Ferrin; fourteen grandchildren: Missy (Mike) Roth, Ryan (Sam di Silva) Sawtell, Aaron Flatten, Luke (Riley Jackson) Sawtell, Taylor (Lindsay) Marcus, Reyna (Dalton) Johnson, Paige Marcus, Marina Marcus, Kayla Sawtell, Spencer (Preston) Fugita, Casey (Darin) Bushard, Troy Sawtell, Jae Ferrin, Cale (Katie) Ferrin; twenty two great grandchildren: Bella Stofey, Jimmy Stofey, Carter Sawtell, Quinn Sawtell, Kade Flatten, Elias Johnson, Stella Sawtell, Luca Sawtell, Zion Hackett, Xavier Hackett, Jax Kaess, Penny Marcus, Noa Marcus, Ziggy Driscoll, RJ Marcus, Marcus Bushard, Vashti Sawtell, Zara Driscoll, Lynnden Bushard, Maren Fugita, Ellis Ferrin and Walker Ferrin. He is also survived by three sisters: Linda (Robert) Kraft, Jeanne Brooks, and Carol Atkins; in-laws: Carolyn Casper, Verlyn DeVries, Eldon (Jami) Smith and Mary Modica. He had many nieces and nephews.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents: Ethel and Paul Modica (Sioux Falls, SD); two brothers: Don and Doug; one sister, Paulette; in-laws: Rosalyn and Jerome Sjolie, Arden and Margie Smith, Warren Casper, John DeVries, Stan Brooks, Peggy Modica and Dick Atkins as well as his wife's parents: Clarence and Lillie (Berger) Smith (Badger, SD).
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