Darrel P. Haen of Kenosha, WI passed away on November 9, 2023, at Froedtert South in Pleasant Prairie, WI. His loving family was able to be by his side in his final days.
Darrel was born on September 30, 1939, to Milton and Dorothy Haen in Sturgeon Bay, WI. He grew up on a dairy farm in Baileys Harbor, WI, now known as the Inn at Windmill Farm.
He attended Gibraltar High School in Fish Creek, WI, later earning his G.E.D. in the military.
Darrel served in the USMC Overseas Service as a corporal and sharpshooter for 2 years.
On August 29, 1959, Darrel was married to Connie Nelson in Egg Harbor, WI.
In 1959, Darrel and Connie moved to Kenosha, WI to build their life and family. Darrel was employed at American Motors for four years. From 1963 -1990, Darrel was employed by the City of Kenosha Police Department, retiring with the rank of Detective, Fraud Bureau.
He served as a Kenosha County Board Supervisor for terms running from 1990-2002. He received endorsements from Senator Joseph Andrea. He opposed the privatization of Brookside Care Center. He was also a strong proponent of appropriating funding to make improvements to Brookside to ensure dignified care and living conditions for vulnerable elders in our community. He was a proponent of the Kenosha Marina development, Kenosha tourism, and bringing jobs to the community. He was opposed to the closure of St. Catherine’s Hospital which served the north side and city proper for many decades.
He also ran his own business, Darrel’s Refrigeration Service for 30 years.
Darrel is survived by his loving wife, Connie (Nelson) Haen, grateful daughters Carrie Podoba (Joe), Lisa Orth (Don), and Mary Rosa (Salvatore), grandchildren Sheri Podoba, Joe Podoba, Nick Orth, Tim Orth, and Sophia Rosa. Great-grandchildren include Chris, Liam, Eli, Emily, Anne, and Isla. He is also survived by devoted siblings Dale Haen, Mary Lautenbach, and Dean Haen.
Thank you to his special friends Bob Busche and Jim Farley for their support. He will miss his breakfast buddies.
Thank you to Dr. Tomasz Jarzembowski for overseeing Darrel’s care in his final days with great compassion, along with the dedicated and caring nursing staff.
In lieu of flowers, only prayers are wished for by Darrel’s family.
Darrel’s final wishes will be entrusted to Proko Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.
Left to cherish his memory as a strong, ambitious, and loving husband, father, friend, and public servant, those who knew him will also fondly remember how liked to enjoy a good time. He once said, “I like life; it’s fun!”
