Darnell Henry Stage

            Darnell Henry Stage, age 81 of Ely, passed away peacefully July 5, 2020 in Ely, surrounded by loved ones. He was born December 8, 1938 to Herman and Emma (Dehne) Stage in Cobden, Minnesota. Darnell was united in marriage to Bonnie Lou Russell on May 20, 1961. 

            Darnell was drafted to serve in the United States Army, and was stationed in Germany in 1962 and 1963. Upon his return home, Darnell was employed at Ochs Brick and Tile in Springfield, MN, and then at the Minneapolis Space Center for a combined 30 years. 

            Darnell and Bonnie raised three sons, celebrated many anniversaries, and enjoyed spending time with family.  They went on exciting cruises and had memorable travels to Canada, Alaska, Idaho, the Caribbean, and many other destinations. Together, Darnell and Bonnie lived in Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, and finally concluded their adventures, settling into many happy years of retirement on Eagle’s Nest Lake #1 in Ely. 

            Darnell will be remembered for his quick-witted sense of humor, his passion for fishing and hunting, visiting with good friends around the lake, fondness for working in the garage, and his love for his grandkids. Quite the handyman, he was patient and driven, and he was always inventing unique fixes for household problems.  Recently he was mending the flag that had been laid upon his father’s casket.

            Darnell is survived by his wife: Bonnie; sons: Marty (Virginia) of Ely, Monte (Connie) of Hibbing, and Troy of South Range, WI; grandchildren: Elise (Taner) Stage, Casey (Robert) Stusynski, Loreena (Michael) Lenzen, Tess, Ricardo, Sabreena, Calli, and Tyler; great grandchild: Owen; and many extended family members and friends. 

            He was preceded in death by his parents: Emma and Herman Stage; his siblings: Deloris, Harold, Victor, Donna, and his twin, Darlene. 

            A memorial service will be held on August 15, 2020 at 11:00 AM, at their home on Eagle’s Nest #1.

            Family Services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion Funeral Home in Tower.  To leave a remembrance online, see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

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