Darrell Stave

Darrell Warren Stave, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Baxter, MN on September 7, 2016.

Darrell was born at home near Lengby, MN on April 28, 1925. He attended Lengby grade school and Fosston High School. At age 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a Navy Gunner's Mate aboard two ammunition ships in the South Pacific for nearly 3 years. He was wounded during the invasion of Northern Luzon.

Darrell graduated from Bemidji State University and moved to Brainerd, where he was employed as a Social Worker and Juvenile Probation Officer. He graduated with a Master's Degree from St. Cloud State University and one year of post-graduate study. When the Brainerd State Hospital opened in 1958, Darrell joined the staff and eventually became the Principal of the school. He retired in 1984 and was a school volunteer for 21 years. He cared for injured and orphaned birds for the DNR and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for 11 years. He gave many talks about birds and was a Bluebirder. Darrell designed and built hundreds of Bluebird nest boxes. He was named Bluebirder of the Year in 1995. In 1998, the state of Nebraska recognized him for his outstanding contributions to Bluebird conservation. In 2001, Darrell received the Service to Mankind Award by the Sertoma Club.

Darrell married Mary LeFavor and Mildred Bennett and both marriages ended in divorce. In 1973, he met Elizabeth (Liz) Estocapio and they were married December 22, 1973.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ardelle Danks; brother, James (Bud) Stave; sister, Marion Boisjolie; sister, Marilyn Abeldgaard; infant sister, Northa Glee; and son, Alan Stave.

Darrell is survived by his loving wife, Liz; sister, Pat Helmberger (Jack Moody) of Grand Rapids; son, Bill (Betty) Stave of Pierz; daughter, Susan Westergaard (Bruce Raymond) of Little Falls; son, Jeff (JoEllen) Stave of Brainerd; daughter-in-law, Polly Stave of New Brighton; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two brothers-in-law.

A Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 10th from 1:00-3:00 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN. Family prefers memorial donations be made to the Baxter Elementary School in lieu of flowers. Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Camp Ripley, MN.