Darrell Dean Althide, 78, of Basco, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Darrell was born March 1, 1946, the son of Lester Henry and Pauline Edith (Koehler)
Althide in Keokuk, Iowa. Pauline later married Orville LaBonte, who raised Darrell from
a young age. He attended Warsaw High School, graduating in 1964. Darrell was an
exceptional athlete, particularly in football, and received numerous awards and held
many records in rushing and scoring in the State of Illinois. He then went on to play for
Kansas State University and Illinois State University where he received his bachelor’s
degree in education. On June 8, 1968, he was united in marriage to his high school
sweetheart, Deberra Hurley at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warsaw. Darrell
taught school and coached in Loda and Warsaw before dedicating his life to farming.
His passion for farming and his land reflected his commitment to leaving it better than
he found it. Darrell was a lifelong member of the Bethlehem United Church of Christ
near Sutter and served on the church board for many terms. He also contributed to his
community in many ways, including through the Warsaw Lions Club, and served sixteen
years on the Warsaw School Board.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Deb, of Basco; four daughters, Melissa (Andrew) Finch of
Basco, Amy (Mark) Bieger of West Point, NY, Julie (Albert James) Althide of St. Louis,
MO, and Sara (Kip) Armstrong of Webberville, MI; and Joe (Gina) Clarke of Warsaw
who was considered a son; grandchildren, Nicholas Finch, Addison (Tessa) Bieger,
Joshua (Carolyn) Bieger, Owen Bieger, Reese and Wesley Armstrong; great-
grandchildren; Colette, Charlotte, Rowan, Emerson and Eleanor; two sisters, Marilee
(Edward) Jacquot and Donna (Ron) Hurt, both of Basco; and several nieces, nephews
and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Rodney and Stanley; sister-in-
law, Pat Althide and his in-laws, Dale and Louise Hurley.
Darrell’s family was always his top priority. His most treasured moments were spent with
his bride of 56 years, whether sitting on the banks of the Mississippi or the shores of
Sanibel Island. As a devoted dad to four daughters, his legacy will continue through
them all.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 22. 2024, at the
Bethlehem United Church of Christ near Sutter with burial to follow in the church
cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, October 21, at Printy
Funeral Home in Warsaw. Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem United Church of

Christ in Sutter IL, or the Warsaw Fire Department. Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is
facilitating arrangements.