Ishpeming – Daryl A. Champion, age 62, of 179 Cliff St., Ishpeming passed away at 10:19am on Monday April 30, 2007 at the Bell Hospital in Ishpeming with his family by his side. Daryl had been battling cancer for the past 6 years.


Daryl was born November 9, 1944 in Ishpeming the son of Albert and Ruth (Kangas) Champion. Daryl was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1962. He attended Northern Michigan University, studying computer programming. Daryl married Clare Warren on October 30, 1966 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Daryl worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. as an information system specialist at the Main Offices in Ishpeming and retired from the Tilden Mine in 2003 as a computer analyst following 37 years with the company.


Daryl was an active community member, and loved the speed of life. He was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, where he served as past president of the church council and was a current council member. Daryl had served as delegate to the Synod Assembly with the E.L.C.A. several times, was active with the Hunger Ministry and on the Evangelism Committee at Bethel Lutheran Church. He was the current President of the Ishpeming Booster Club and a true Hematite fan. In 2002 Daryl was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Ishpeming Public Schools. He was a member of the Ishpeming Elks Lodge #447, where he was past Exulted Ruler, had served as district deputy, and had ran the local Elks Hoop Shoot contest for several years. He was a member of the Ishpeming Pioneer Kiwanis Club, currently serving as secretary. He served on the Ishpeming 4th of July committee and was the current president. Daryl was a member of the Commission on Aging, served on the Ishpeming Parks and Rec. board, was a former Ishpeming City Councilman. He was an avid supporter of the Livestrong Foundation, helped organize the local Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society, and had also been a member of the Big Brother / Big Sisters program, along with other organizations and committees to numerous to mention.


Daryl was always found following his children's and grandchildren's extra curricular activities, and was proud of their many accomplishments. In his spare time he could be found taking care of his yard and gardens in the summer months, placing Christmas decorations out in December, or watching his favorite teams – "The Packers, Brewers and Bucks". His genuine kindness will be remembered by all who came into contact with him. Daryl enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and softball in his younger years.


Survivors include his wife Clare Champion of Ishpeming, a daughter Delcene (Rudy) Nyman of Appleton, WI, two sons – Mark (Beth) Champion of Green Bay, WI and Scott (Illishia) Champion of Green Bay, WI; his mother Ruth Champion of Ishpeming, 5 grandchildren – Kortney and Brett Nyman of Appleton, Sydney and Toni Champion and Carissa Champion all of Green Bay; two sisters – Darlene (Michael) Lucas of Marquette and Debbie (Donald) Erickson of Ishpeming, step-mother in law – Elna Warren of Marquette; sister-in-law – Sherrill (Victor) Hansen of Babylon, NY, brother-in-law – Thomas Warren Jr. of Jackson, MS, his former sister-in-law – Maebell Warren of Violet, LA, nieces and nephews – Paula (Phil) Rinaudo of Rockville, MD, Kim Erickson of Chicago, IL, Ryan Erickson of Ishpeming, Chris Lucas of Marquette, Nicole Lucas of Marquette, Erik (Mary) Hansen of Elburn, IL, Vickie (John) Hommel of East Islip, NY, Tommy Warren III, Grace Dial, Ocelia Smith, Kelly Warren, and Nat Warren all of MS and LA, along with several great nieces, great nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father Albert Champion, his brother – Dennis Champion, his mother-in-law Alice Warren, his father-in-law Thomas Warren and his sister-in-law Delcene Warren.


Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Friday May 4, 2007 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services on Friday in the Church Hall at Bethel Lutheran Church.


Visitation will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 5 until 8pm on Thursday where the Ishpeming Elks will hold memorial services at 8pm, friends and relatives may also call at the Bethel Lutheran Church from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Friday.


Pallbearers will be Jim Blewett, Larry Bussone, Ray Butler, Lee "Sonny" Hill, Terry Roberts and Victor Hansen.


Daryl's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance and sign his Guest Book.


Daryl's family will always remember him saying "If those are tears, they'd better be happy tears."