Darrell Ray Whitehead

Darrell Ray Whitehead, the son of Harold and Erma (Kersbergen) Whitehead, was born on June 29, 1945 in Stuart, Iowa, and died on September 6, 2020 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 75 years, 2 months, and 8 days.

Darrell was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. Darrell’s parents rented farms around the country, so Darrell attended many schools, but he graduated with the Audubon High School Class of 1963. Following graduation, Darrell farmed with his mother and worked for Jerry Davis in his gas station, then for Earl Lucas in his bus garage. Darrell also drove truck part-time for several people, and started driving for Burgher Inc. in 1967, continuing to drive until he moved to office work in 1980.

Darrell and his mother sold the farm equipment in 1972 and eventually moved to acreage just north of Audubon. He continued working at the same location the ownership transfers from Burghers to Crouse Contract Carriers and finally to Rasmussen Group. In 1998, Rasmussen moved business to Des Moines, and Darrell continued to work out of the Audubon office, eventually purchasing the office from Rasmussen in 2000.

Darrell retired from trucking in 2010, but continued to manage his business finding and selling consignment equipment, and sold the property in 2015.

Darrell married Kay (Andresen) Christiansen on March 20, 1992, and they continued to live on the acreage on the north edge of Audubon, until, due to health conditions, they both entered long-term care facilities in September 2019.

Darrell enjoyed visiting with people and made many friends during his years in the trucking business. He was active in many organizations, including The Iowa Motor Truck Association, where he served on the Board of Directors for many years. He served as President twice during his time with the Audubon Lion’s Club, and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship – the highest award given. In addition to serving as President, Darrell spent many years on the Board of Directors of the Lion’s Club as well. He was Chairman of the Council of St. John’s Lutheran Church for many years and continued on the board, as well as serving on the Audubon Airport Authority.

One of Darrell’s favorite hobbies was making greeting cards for people. He spent many an hour on the computer composing “just the right” card for the occasion. He often sent bouquets to people just because he thought they needed them. These acts are truly his legacy. He loved visits from his step-children and grandchildren. Both Darrell and Kay enjoyed traveling together, especially their trips to Branson, particularly with the group they met in Hawaii in 2007 and their many reunions.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Whitehead of Exira, Iowa; his step-children: Ronda and husband Mike Arnold and their children Nathan, Heather, and Jacob, all of Paynesville, Minnesota; and Brian and wife Jessica Christiansen and their children Lexi, Madelyn, Olivia, Erin, and Chelsea, all of Omaha, Nebraska; his brothers, Dean and wife Betty of Panora, Iowa, and Dale and wife Jan of Perry, Iowa; his nieces, Marilyn and husband Doug Downing of Panora, and Denise and Brian Wright of Waukee, Iowa; his nephew Douglas and wife Julie Whitehead of Des Moines, Iowa; his great-nephew, Wade and wife Lisa Downing and their children Bryer and Gwen, all of Panora; his great-niece, Kegan Downing; and his great-nephew, Sam and wife Ashley Myers of Waukee; as well as many friends and neighbors who never failed us through these last tough years.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 3:00 P.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon with Pastor Gordon Buchholz officiating. There will be an open visitation on Friday, September 11, 2020, from 1:00 to 7:00 P.M. with the family present from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. Casket bearers will be Mike Arnold, Brian Wright, Doug Downing, Douglas Whitehead, Brett Irlmeier, Steve Miller, Rick Pettit, and Tom Bluml. Memorials are preferred to the Audubon Lions Club or St. John's Lutheran Church in Audubon. The Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon is in charge of his arrangements.