Darrell D. Crase

Darrell Dean Crase, age 74, departed from this life on Friday, August 29, 2025, at his home in Pella, IA.  Darrell was born to Wilma Jean (Stanley) and Delbert Crase on May 1, 1951, in Perry, Iowa. He was greeted at the family farm in Redfield Iowa by his older sister Sandra. A few years later the family added a younger brother named Michael. The two brothers became quite the pair. The family had baby sister Sheryl nearly nine years after Michael. The family farm operation included crop farming and livestock and they were active in the local 4-H club. Darrell enjoyed spending as much time as possible farming with his dad & brother.

He attended Dexfield school district, graduating with the class of 1969. During his high school years, he participated in FFA. After high school, he attended DMACC in Des Moines and often reminded his son he made the Dean's list.  After his college years, he worked in the motorcycle parts industry in the Des Moines area as a parts manager for several years. He then joined Delbert working at Massey Ferguson until the factory closed.

Darrell or "Hayseed", as he was known on the CB radio, found his calling in over the road truck driving.  Fred Messamer was the lucky man who taught Darrell how to drive the eighteen wheelers.  Over his driving career, he worked at several places, but some of the most memorable were the times spent driving with his brother Michael. Darrell was awarded many awards for the safe miles he drove throughout his career, including the million-mile safe driver award. He made many life-long friends along the way.

In 1986, he married Malissa Mathes, becoming a father to her son, Steven Pazzi.  In February of 1987, their marriage was blessed with the birth of Austin James. After their marriage ended, Darrell continued his life on the road but was diligent about spending as much time as possible with Austin. He did this while co-parenting with the boys' primary care takers, Malissa's parents, Harold and Pauline Mathes.

Darrell resided in Dallas & Polk counties for most of his adult life. Not too long after Austin graduated high school, Darrell moved to Pella, and they lived together for the next several years.  Austin married Wendy and gave Darrell three grandchildren to love and cherish in his later years. He could be found at their sporting events and enjoyed finding the perfect card & gift for their birthdays.

Darrell retired from the road in 2020. He remained in Pella making new acquaintances in his part time job at Westpoort Casey's. Darrell never knew a stranger and always wanted to know their story.

Preceding his death are his parents Wilma Jean (Stanley) and Delbert Crase, and his parents-in-law Harold and Pauline Mathes.

Darrell is survived by Austin (Wendy) Crase of Pella, IA; a granddaughter, Mckenna, two grandsons Witten and Landry; Steven Pazzi of Oskaloosa, IA; a grandson, Ashtyn Pazzi; a brother, Michael Crase of Granger, IA; and two sisters, Sandra Mitchell and Sheryl Crase of Golden Valley, AZ.

Celebration of Life

Saturday October 25, 2025 1:00-3:00 P.M.

American Legion Post 261

1116 Thomas St, Redfield, IA 50233