Darrell Emmel passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 22, 2025. He was born on February 24, 1980, to Elaine Dodge and Edwin Emmel. He was welcomed into the family by his two older sisters, Dawn and Donna.

Darrell spent most of his childhood in the Bowbells, ND area, where his family originated. He later moved to Sidney, MT, to live with his dad. While attending Kenmare Elementary, Darrell was hit with a snowball that led to the discovery of his inoperable brain tumor. This marked the beginning of his journey with cancer. Even after being diagnosed at the age of 10, Darrell never let hardships bring his spirit down. He underwent treatment in Minot, ND, and Rochester, MN, where he had brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, which successfully shrank the tumor. Although the tumor remained, he was considered in remission and maintained regular follow-up care.

Darrell and his dad made countless road trips back to his small hometown to visit family. In Sidney, he became well known as the friendly pizza delivery driver for both Pizza House and Pizza Hut. Many friends knew him as "Elmo," while in childhood he was affectionately called "Bart."

Darrell had a deep love for all the fun toys—he enjoyed riding dirt bikes, snowmobiles, dune buggies, and motorcycles. He was especially proud of his Harley-Davidson, which he often rode to visit family and friends. A true music lover, Darrell enjoyed listening to Korn, ICP, and Kid Rock—always with the volume turned up.

In early 2018, Darrell began experiencing headaches that led to another MRI, revealing that the tumor had begun growing again. Pizza House showed their support by contributing partial earnings to help with Darrell’s living expenses, he underwent another brain surgery in Billings. Despite the setback, Darrell’s positive spirit remained unshaken. Surgeons removed what they could of the slow-growing tumor, and Darrell resumed his follow-ups while continuing to live life to the fullest.

Known lovingly as the “Funcle” of the family, Darrell had a special connection with his nieces and nephews. He would show up on his mountain bike—twice the size of the kids'—and let them take turns riding it. He taught them how to make “dirt bikes” by placing pop cans on their tires, sparking joy and laughter every time. The children’s faces lit up whenever Uncle arrived. He took them to the pool, told unforgettable stories, and always had the music blasting. Being close in age to many of his nieces and nephews, Darrell was more like a big brother—wrestling, building forts, and watching Ninja Turtles together.

Darrell is survived by his father, Edwin Emmel; his sisters, Dawn Pederson and Donna (Daryn) Christianson; his aunt, Luella Smith; his uncle, Richard Emmel; his brother-in-law, Don Sheehan; and many nieces and nephews: Trisha Sheehan, April Sheehan, DeNaye (Paul) Kern, Ashlee (Haley) Mindt, Charlie (LaShell) Sheehan, Clay Sheehan, Brook (Lawrence) Speldrich, Bryce (Destiny) Jones, Ryan (Tabitha) Goff, and Riley (Holly) Goff; along with many cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was lovingly welcomed in death by his mother, Elaine Dodge; his maternal grandparents, Vernon (Bud) and Harriet Dodge; his paternal grandparents, Annie and William Emmel; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Forever in our hearts.
Darrell’s fun-loving spirit, bravery, and boundless kindness will never be forgotten.