Darrell Lee Benrud of Onalaska/Holmen/New Amsterdam, passed away peacefully at home on January 23rd, 2019 with his wife by his side after a 14 week battle with brain cancer.  He was born on July 18th, 1943 to Waldo and Fay Benrud.

He graduated from Onalaska High School where he enjoyed many friends and sports.  After high school he began his 44-year career at G. Heilman Brewery/City Brewery.  He worked with many union brothers and sisters, became lifelong friends with many and loved them all.  He married Kristy and cherished many years together as husband and wife.  He loved to travel and ejoyed many trips to Laughlin, NV and Mexico.  A lifelong Badgers and Packers fan, he rarely missed a game.  Living on the marsh in New Amsterdam, he loved nature and watching birds visit his feeders in his backyard.

Thank you for all the love and support from his nieces and nephews who were there for him; Hugh, Nichole, Max and his special friend Elle and puppy Apollo, Ashley & Randy and their children- thank you for all you have done before and during this journey. Additional thank you for the around the clock support from Mike and Carmel Gribben and his Smokey’s family and the continued support from Shelly, Mac and Kim.

He is survived by his best friend/love and wife Kristy (Schellsmidt), daughter’s Shelly (Mac) Feely, grandson Matthew, Kimberly Ellens, grandchildren Jake, Jordin and Brooke, brother Gary (Mary) Benrud and many aunts, uncles, brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, many aunts and uncles and his son-in-law Jeffrey Ellens.

The family would like to thank the care providers at Mayo Clinic La Crosse, Mayo Clinic Rochester and the nurses and staff from Mayo Clinic Hospice.  They would also like to thank all of the family and friends for their love and support.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 28th, 2019 at 11:00 am at the First Lutheran Church, 410 Main St., Onalaska.  Visitations will be held Sunday, January 27^thfrom 2-6 pm at the Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska as well as one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.   A Celebration of Life will continue after the funeral service on Monday at Smokey’s Bar & Grill, 112 Mill St., Holmen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials  are preferred.

To view and share Darrell’s memorial video, please copy and paste the following link in your web browser.

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/74F32DPRPGD5GQCT?e=1