Kurt W. Darrow

Kurt Wesley Darrow passed away at the age of 81 years old on Thursday, August 24, 2023 in Cape Coral, Florida of cancer complications after an eight-month battle. Kurt was born August 22, 1942 in Shawano, Wisconsin to the late Wesley and Marie (Hohn) Darrow from Gillett, Wisconsin. Kurt was a proud graduating member of the Class of 1960 Gillett High School. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin in Madison, graduating in 1964.
On May 18, 1974 he married Ann M. Wilting whose parents were the late Herman and Eva Wilting of Beaver, Wisconsin. Kurt and Ann were blessed with two wonderful daughters: Amy (Rick) Mangin with granddaughter, Grace; and Amanda (Michael) Brahmer with grandsons Joseph, Jacob, Evan, and Matthew, all who reside in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Kurt always expressed that his sons-in-law, Rick and Michael, were really his 'sons.'
Kurt celebrated 50+ years of serving clients in his tax and accounting practice. He often traveled to clients' homes, helping people of all ages across Northeast Wisconsin. Over the years, Kurt and Ann also owned the Carroll House Restaurant in Sister Bay, the Neighborhood Café in Ephraim, the Dollar Value store in Gillett, among other business ventures. In 2011, they moved to Cape Coral, Florida. Kurt spent his summers in Eau Claire to spend time with the grandchildren and watch them play sports. Baseball tournaments had him traveling as far north as Superior, south to Kenosha, Wisconsin and everywhere in between. Kurt and Ann loved to travel. Together they made it to all 50 States. A few highlights include driving Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California; a 45-day RV adventure from Wisconsin to Alaska on the Alaska Marine Highway via exploration of several areas of Alaska and Canada. This adventure was made more special because it was shared with friends Pete and Bonnie Marcks. Other travel highlights include taking Amy to England and Amanda to Hawaii for each of their high school graduations.
Kurt was a super-fan of baseball, which included supporting the grandkids Little League games to the Pink Flamingo Softball Tournament in DePere to the Major League, especially the Milwaukee Brewers. He could recite statistics and plays with brilliant ease. Kurt, with Rick, traveled to all 30 Major League Baseball parks over 17 years. Ann, Amy, Amanda, and Michael joined a few of these trips. Kurt's granddaughter, Grace, joined the fun at the last few fields on their list.
Kurt is survived by his wife, Ann, children, and grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Marcia (Dale) Johnson of Green Bay along with their daughters Alissa of Green Bay, Rebecca of Pulaksi, and Erica of Green Bay and their families. He is also survived by Ann's sister and brother, Mary Wilting of Green Bay and Paul (Betty) Wilting of Beaver and their daughters Jennifer (Michael) McDowell of Hales Corners and Melissa (Tim) Sheffer of De Pere and their families.
Kurt leaves behind other relatives, friends, and clients as well as a special cousin, Judy Cota, and special 'bonus sister' Bonnie (Zahn) Marcks. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-laws, grandparents, and other relatives.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring, Wisconsin on Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 9 AM to 10:45 AM. Niece and Minister Erica Johnson, will lead a memorial service at 11 AM. Please wear Pink Flamingo, Brewers or other baseball, football, basketball shirts to honor his love of sports for this comfortable celebration. Kurt will be buried at Wanderer's Rest in Gillett. Memorials can be made to the Gillett Historical Society or the Hospice provider of your choice.
Special thanks to everyone who was part of his medical team. Also thank you to Fuller Metz Funeral Home in Cape Coral and Gruetzmacher Funeral Home.