Darrel Hope 1949 - 2018

HOPE, JOHNSON, GERCH

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/16/2018 at 13:33:10

Sioux City Journal
30 January 2018

Des Moines, formerly Sioux City

Darrel Hope, 68, of Des Moines, formerly of Sioux City, passed away Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018.

Memorial services will be noon Friday at Eternity Church, 2000 NW 100th, in Clive, Iowa. Directly after the service, a luncheon will be served at the Machine Shed Restaurant, 11151 Hickman Road in Des Moines, with the family present until 5 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Hamilton's on Westown Parkway in Des Moines. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Darrel was born on July 28, 1949, to Jack and Emelene (Johnson) Hope, in Sioux City. He graduated in 1967 from Central High School in Sioux City. After high school, he was a sheet metal apprentice and earned his certification.

Not long after high school, Darrel met the love of his life, Karen Gerch of Lyons, Neb. The two knew immediately that they were meant for each other. They married on Sept. 13, 1969. Darrel and Karen later became parents to four children, Brandon, Andrew, Joe and Alisha. During the Vietnam War, Darrel was chosen to be on the draft board for the Selective Service and went to Washington, D.C., to participate in the first draft board lottery.

He was employed at Friend Pike and also Fabricators, Inc. In 1978, Darrel and a partner started Wenrick Metal Mfg. Later, Darrel became the sole owner and renamed the business Custom Metal Mfg. Custom Metal was truly a family business, with his brother-in-law, Larry Gerch, working alongside him for 25 years, his three sons working part-time welding, and Karen in the office. After Darrel retired, they moved to West Des Moines to be near their children and grandchildren in 2003.

In his retirement, he was always there for papa-sitting his grandchildren. He helped with carpooling, he told them stories and gave out hugs freely. This made him the best Papa a kid could ask for. He was one of their biggest fans and he rarely missed one of their events. He was routinely seen on the sidelines taking pictures and video, which his children will cherish. He left them a piece of himself. His gentle nature and pure optimism are two traits that his family will forever remember. To Darrel, the glass was always half full. He believed attitude was everything; not necessarily what happens to you, but how you react to it. His family has been truly blessed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen; children, Brandon Hope (Heather) and their children, Olivia, Brayden, and Bryson, Andrew Hope (Tome) and children, Owen, Jacob, and Henry, Joe Hope (Gina) and children, Macie, Sophia, and Carson, and Alisha Hope Stewart (Chris) and children, Jacie and Grady; siblings, John Hope of Orlando, Fla., and Marilyn Hope Powell (Terry) of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; his niece, Jackie; and nephews, Mark, Brent, Dusty and Lance. Darrel also treasured his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and their children.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Emelene and Jack Hope; and his nieces, Cheryl Hope and Shelly Hope.