Daryl W. Birkey

Daryl Birkey, 71, of rural Mackinaw, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026. He was born March 16, 1954 in Bloomington, IL to Warren and Delora (Litwiller) Birkey. He married Debra F. Skaggs on July 12, 1975.

Daryl is survived by his wife, two daughters, Lori [Joshua] Horning and Heidi [Andrew] Dussl; five grandchildren, Marissa (Luke) Rushik, Landon (Jacelyn) Horning, Bryson Horning, Olive and Iverson Dussl; three siblings, Dave (Sharon) Birkey, Linda (Rick) Gonder and Dale (Frances) Birkey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Shelli Renee Birkey.

In 1972, Daryl graduated from Hopedale High School and attended Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas. He farmed his entire life in the Hopedale area, starting in 1974 with his father and continuing until his passing. Daryl enjoyed collecting Oliver tractors, but his main priority and joy was always his family. He loved attending his grandchildren’s activities and supporting them all with his love and presence.

Daryl was a member of Living Hope Community Church, where he enjoyed singing with the Sunday morning worship team. Daryl also sang over twenty years with the Gospelaires and thirty years with the Hopedale Mennonite Church Men’s Octet.

His funeral will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, February4, 2026 at Living Hope Community Church in Hopedale.  Pastor Roger Springer will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm Tuesday, also at the church.  Burial will be in Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorial donations in memory of Daryl and his precious daughter Shelli may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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