Obituary of Darrell Gordon Watson

Darrell Gordon Watson, Jr., born December 2, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Darrell G. Watson, Sr., and Donna Mae (Lundberg) Watson.  Darrell grew up in South Minneapolis on Blaisdell Avenue and moved with his parents to 66th Avenue North in Brooklyn Park in 1957.  Darrell graduated from Osseo High School in 1970 and Saint Paul Vocational Technical School in 1972.  Darrell worked for Pako Corporation for many years until Pako closed in 2004.  Following that, Darrell worked as an independent sales rep for the printing industry until retiring due to his health.  Darrell died on March 19, 2022, after a number of years on a heart transplant list and receiving a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) in 2016. 

Darrell and Judy (Herber) married on August 12, 1972.  They moved to Crystal, Minnesota, in 1976. Together they had four children: David (Susan), Ian (Erika), Sean (Stephanie), and Katie (Kellen).  His is survived by Judy, his four children, six grandsons—Ethan, Evan, Miles, Cole, Sawyer, and Leo—his sister Janet (Jerry) Knox, and brothers Ron (Dawn) Watson, Gary (Barb) Watson, and Eric (Kathy) Watson, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Donna and Darrell, sister Cathy, grandparents, Floyd & Olga Lundberg and Percy & Sigrid Watson, and his “brother” Rob Warolin.

Darrell loved hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed every minute he was able to spend with his family, especially his six grandsons.  He loved day trips around the Midwest, finding new restaurants, and remembering old restaurants.  Darrell was deeply into recycling, but mainly just old jokes. Darrell was, to the very end, an amazing storyteller.

Darrell’s family is profoundly grateful to his medical team for all of the loving care they provided him over the years, including Dr. Pritzker, Dr. Cogswell, Dr. Kari Mattson, Fairview University Hospital, North Memorial Patient Care Center, his LVAD coordinator Bekah Gillard, and all of the nurses and staff who cared for him.

Darrell’s family will host a memorial gathering meal and celebration of life on May 1, 2022, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League Breckenridge House located at 8816 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55444.  All are welcome.