Darrell J. Juelfs, 87, passed away October 25, 2011 at his home in Prichard, Idaho. Darrell was born May 19, 1924 in Correctionville, Iowa. He was the youngest of three sons born to John and Anna (Klan) Juelfs.
Darrell ('Slim' or 'Digger' as referred to by his many friends) was born and raised on a farm in northwest Iowa. There he learned the value of hard work and discipline. This was clearly evident throughout his life. He said there were times when they didn't have too much, but they did have food to eat and I am sure for that they were thankful.
At the tender age of 17, Darrell fibbed his way into the United States Marines Corps to serve during World War II. His service took him to the south Pacific Theatre where he participated in the war campaigns on Guam and Bougainville. It was on Guam that Corporal Juelfs, age 20, distiguished himself and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for "Heroic achievement and devotion to duty during the conquest of Guam." One excerpt on his citation noted: "Corporal Juelfs was in charge of a stretcher party returning with wounded from the front. The Marines suddenly were fired on by enemy machine guns and Juelfs directed the group to cover, then proceeded alone for about 150 yards to obtain aid. Under the heavy Jap fire all the while, he returned with three tanks and directed their fire on the enemy positions while the stretcher party continued to the aid station with the wounded." In addition to the Bronze Star Medal, Darrell also received the World War II Medal other other campaign ribbons. Simper Fi Devil Dog. You're a hero.
After his honorable discharge, Darrell attended and graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1948. Darrell worked as a Mortician in California before moving his family from Concord, California to Wallace in 1962, where he worked as a Mortician for Shoshone Funeral Service for 17 years. Thus the nickname 'Digger'. He later worked for the Building Maintenance and Supply in Wallace.
Darrell was also a valuable member of the community. He served as President of the Wallace Babe Ruth League and worked on the chain gang during the Wallace High School football games in the late 1960's. He was also President of the Wallace Kiwanis. Darrell and Susan Juelfs also sponsored a men's softball team (Fonk's Variety) in the Kellogg Men's Softball League.
Darrell was a life member of the Osburn V.F.W. Post #1675 and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Darrell met Dorothy Wimer and they were married May 17, 1992 in Reno, Nevada.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents John and Anna, wife Susan and his two older brothers Harry and Earl Juelfs both of Iowa. He is survived by his wife Dorothy at the family home in Prichard, Idaho, sons Grant Juelfs of Farmington, New York and Bruce Juelfs in California, step-son Michael Golden in Arkansas, daughter Kay Bisaro of Spokane, Washington, and step-daughter Eileen New of Escalon, California, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cremation was held and upon his request no services will be held.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Silver Wood Good Samaritan Center at P.O. Box 358 Silverton, Idaho 83867.
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Dorothy, know of our sympathy in learning of Darrell's passing. He was a special person to have known. -- Sherm and Lawanna Watts
Dorothy, my thoughts are with you on the loss of Darrell. I had many short conversations with him and always left feeling his energy. Grant, Bruce, and Kay --- take comfort in the life your father lead and his sacrifice during World War II. Darrell, may you rest in peace. I am blessed to have met you. -- John A. Bardelli
Am so sorry you're going through this loss. Wish we could have helped more. Our best to Dorothy, too. P-MVFD -- Donna Skaggs
Slim will be missed. He would always give us a bad time when we shopped at Building Maintenance. A Great Guy!!! Our thoughts are with you. -- Floyd and Paula Olson
So sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort to his family. -- Connie Eichinger Gutierrez
My deepest sympathy on your loss, and the loss to Prichard we will miss Slim as a friend and neighbor. -- Eydie Messke
Sorry that we are unable to make it there. We do know we never lose the people we love. They live the rest of our lives with us in our heart. Love y'all, Take care of Dorothy, Michael and Zandra
Our sympathy to the Juelfs family. Although we never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Juelfs, we own the home where the family resided in Wallace so we feel a small connection. -- Mike and Janet Feiler
Sleep well Grandpa. -- Lloyd Seevers
Our deepest sympathy and love for the family of Darrell Juelfs. -- Pam and Myles Elliston
So sorry to hear the news about Darrell. He always had a smile on his face. He was such a gentleman ,that loved life. Prayers and Hugs to your family. -- Becky Lindley
