Darrell Lee Schaapveld

Darrell Lee Schaapveld, (Dancing Darrell), at the young age of 69 (78 really) died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 9, 2024, while taking his morning walk in the William O’ Brien State Park where he lived in a unique log house.  Darrell had various heart problems, which he was dealing with for the past 5 years. 

Darrell was born in Nordeast (not North East, as Darrell would correct people) Minneapolis, on April 8, 1946 to Adeline and Earl Schappveld. 

Darrell graduated from Edison High School in 1964 where he played first base on the varsity baseball team.  After high school, he attended the University of Minnesota where he played baseball until he hurt his back, and then joined the university cheerleading squad. (Because he heard there were lots of ladies).  He joined the University Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) where he made life long friends.

Darrell found a community at the Rising Sun Farm in River Falls, WI, where he met more life long friends.

Darrell was adopted into the family of Jack and Robin Mahoney and their children, Ciel, Jamiah, Leif and Shawn and loved being with them as a family for the past 40 years.    

Darrell did roofing with his dad when he was younger.  He eventually started a roofing company called Four Seasons Energy Efficient Roofing, Inc..  He built his Company into a very successful business.    He was proud of the work he was doing as the roofing product he used (Duro-Last) was a white membrane that was energy efficient for the environment.  

Darrell always cared about people, animals and the environment.

Darrell never married but had a special bond with Jan (Sweetiebird) and they always took care of each other in many ways.

Darrell grew up fishing and hunting with his older brother Gary and their Dad and that passion remained throughout his life.  Darrell bought a Lund Fishing boat and him and Jan were always the last one off Big Marine Lake.  Darrell was a natural competitive athlete and good at almost all sports, except Frisbee golf (according to Jack).

His love for dancing earned him the nickname Dancing Darrell.  He wore his dance shoes but, when he danced every Saturday and Sunday outdoors at the Brookside Bar and Grill in Marine on St. Croix, he went barefoot so the cement wouldn’t hurt his dance shoes. He always hit the dance floor as soon as he could get his shoes off.  He loved the energy there and tried to get everyone out on the dance floor to enjoy dancing, the band and life.  He would dance alone if no one would join him.  

For Darrell, every day was a special day.  He loved to meet new people, whom he met wherever he went, and invited everyone to his parties welcoming them to his home.  He loved to make everyone laugh and he always had a smile.

For those who want to see Dancing Darrell one last time, a visitation with open casket will be May 24, 2024, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN, with a program starting at 2:00 p.m.  There will be a burial commencing at 4:00 p.m. at the Oakland Cemetery in Marine on Saint Croix, MN.  A gathering at Darrell’s unique Log House will follow the burial.

There will also be a Celebration of Life for Darrell to be determined, stayed tuned.

With Love and Laughter to all who knew him.