Clyde A. Darmody, age 89, of West Bend, passed away Tuesday October 16, 2007 at his residence.
He was born on July 5, 1918 in the Town of Theresa to the late Mike and Violenta (nee Zimmel) Darmody. After high school Clyde started working at the West Bend Company until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1941. His military service continued until October of 1945, with over three years in the Pacific Theater. On December 8, 1945 Clyde was united in marriage to Mildred Ahlers at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, West Bend. Together they made their home in West Bend, and Clyde went back to work at the West Bend Company until his retirement in 1980.
In 1956 Clyde founded Honey Grove Ice Cream. It was co-owned by Clyde and his sister-in-law, Margaret Ahlers. Along with his wife Mildred, the three of them sold ice cream from their store on HWY G, to grocery stores, and out of their lunch trailer at many auctions, fairs, company picnics, and other social events. In 2001 his daughter Cheryl began helping out and now runs the company.
His wife Mildred preceded him in death in August of 2004, and on October 8, 2005 Clyde was united in marriage to Norma Smith at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church.
Clyde was an Elder and active member of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church, and the 25-year club of the West Bend Company. He loved polka music and could pay the accordion, guitar, and harmonica. He was a great dad, loved by his children and grandchildren, and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Norma; four children, Kenneth (Sue) Darmody of Bowling Green, KY, Cheryl (Don) Thill of West Bend, Keith (Connie) Darmody of West Bend, and Kim (Kandie) Darmody of Edmond, OK; three step-children, Karen Spletter of Phoenix, AZ, Gary (Ruth) Smith of Random Lake, and Sue Smith of West Bend; ten grandchildren, Stacey (Greg) Hockett, Michael (Shelley) Darmody, Kelly Darmody, Tina (Heath) Wiskirchen, Nicholus (FiancAC.e Allison Jahnke) Thill, Stephanie (Dan) Helle, Amanda (Jared) Winship, Casey (Todd) Kunard, Matthew Darmody, and Witney Darmody; six step-grandchildren, Michelle Spletter, Matthew Spletter, Alex Spletter, Michael Smith, Daniel Izzo, and Elizabeth Lund; four great-grandchildren, Tyler Winship, Austin Winship, Riley Darmody, and Ashton Hockett, three sisters, Blanche Hawig of West Bend, Hazel Weinand of Jackson, and Vivian (Walter) Bartelt of Campbellsport; two brothers, Wesley (Pearl) Darmody and Jerry (Marion) Darmody, both of Allenton; three sisters-in-law, Margaret Ahlers of West Bend, Joanne (Vernon) Moths of Hales Corners, and Vira (John) Schneider of Germantown; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, Harold Ahlers, Wilmer Hawig, and Eugene Weinand.
Funeral services to remember Clyde will be held on Sunday October 21st at 4:30 pm at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church (462 Meadowbrook Dr.), West Bend. Rev. Joseph Fisher and Rev. Christopher Raffa will co-officiate. Visitation will be Sunday at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, West Bend, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park on Monday at 10:00 am. Memorials to Pilgrim Church are appreciated.