Darrell Ray Oviatt

St. Charles,
With ambition and adventure in his step and the love of family in his heart, Darrell Oviatt lived with no regrets. And with faith as his guide, he experienced a multitude of blessings with those he loved by his side. Darrell was a hard working man who by way of example, taught his children well. Through his positive nature, he was endless when it came to encouraging others. A special man in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
The decade of the 1970s was an important time for America and the rest of the world. From technological advances, the arts, and to the entertainment industry, the field of science and medicine grew to new levels in a decade viewed as a sure stepping stone in the world we know today. Yet on January 20, 1970, in Rochester, Minnesota, the birth of Darrell Ray Oviatt, the son of Harold Oviatt, found his family exceedingly blessed.
Darrell grew up experiencing all that childhood had to offer a young boy in the loving home of his grandparents, Lyle and Dorothy Oviatt. Darrell's parents divorced when he was young. His father raised him and he spent summers with the nurturing love of his grandparents. He loved his grandparents deeply, and no less shared a deep bond with them. Although Darrell was limited to vacations growing up, they once took a trip to Tennessee during his youth.
When Darrell was 17, he acquired two stepsiblings, Sue and Anton when his father married Sally Petersen. Shortly after, he went on to graduate from John Marshall High School and with his best friend, Mark, he enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army. When Darrell married Trisha Urell, he became the proud father of three wonderful children, Alaxzandra, Aleesha, and Hunter. He considered the days of their births as the best three days of his life, and he loved them unconditionally. Although his marriage did not last, Darrell was thankful for the children shared from their union.
Darrell made his home in Rochester before moving to a hobby farm in Ostrander and later, Stewartville. As a father, Darrell was nurturing and instilled in his children priorities to live by, that being school, sports, and furthering their educations. He never ceased in encouraging his kids to be involved. He was their number one supporter when it came to attending summer camps, sports, and church activities. With a heart for volunteering, Darrell gave back to his community in many ways and he wanted his children to understand the importance of giving back, as well. Whenever they became active or involved in something, he always volunteered to help in some capacity. He sold Christmas trees for the youth group at church and he even walked a mile in high heels for a walk-a-thon!
Faith was a large part of Darrell's life. He belonged to Stewartville United Methodist Church where he often volunteered for the youth group. He was also a member of the Stewartville Lions Club, and an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Gophers, and high school wrestling. And nearly every year he made it a point to attend the homecoming games.
Darrell came to know love again in the heart of Christine Abel and he lovingly shared his life with her and her three children, Bradley, Gabrielle, and Adilyn. He loved taking his family on driving vacations across the country, especially their annual trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Darrell absolutely loved traveling. He traveled with his kids to Hawaii, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Florida, and on a fishing trip to North Dakota. Quite the planner and organizer, Darrell was looking forward to traveling more with Christine, especially to ocean sites he so loved. With his enjoyment of photography, he was sure to get shots of all the places they shared together as a family. Darrell always had his camera at the ready and was always taking pictures. He was especially fond and very talented at taking pictures of flowers and sunsets. In fact, there is a beautiful photo of Darrell kayaking under the sunset he had Christine take while they vacationed in Jamaica.
Hard working was just one of the many ways to describe Darrell. Throughout the years he worked for Fed Ex, Green Way Co-op, Stewartville Schools, and the City of Stewartville. In 2014, he moved his family to St. Charles and attended Mayo School of Health and for a brief time worked as a social worker. Soon realizing it was not his calling, Darrell returned to school and went on to receive his certification as a clinical research coordinator. Working for the Mayo Clinic in cancer research was the perfect fit for Darrell and feeling like he was making a difference, he truly loved his job there.
There was much to love about Darrell's adventurous spirit. When he attempted or put his mind to something, there was no stopping him. He could be a little stubborn at times, but only because he felt so strongly about things. His interests were many, including motorcycles and old cars. His first car at the age of 14 was a classic Camaro which he loved working on. More recently, Darrell bought a Camaro much like his first one he was going to restore with his son, Hunter. Quite the animal lover, Darrel once even had a potbelly pig. His beloved dogs were never far from his side, which over the years included Lucky Lady, Taz, Moe, and Zofo. Rhett was his most recent favorite canine companion whom he lovingly gave to Christine to care for.
There was no one quite like Darrell Oviatt in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A friend of many and a loving father and companion, Darrell was someone with whom others could rely. He loved unconditionally and gave fully of himself to those entrusted to his care. He will be fondly remembered for his hard work ethic, adventurous spirit, and his ambitious drive. Most of all, Darrell will be remembered for his love and the wonderful memories he leaves behind.
Darrell Ray Oviatt, 46, of St. Charles and formerly of Stewartville died Saturday morning, July 9, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus in Rochester. Survivors include his three children: Alaxzandra (Cory Fortsch) Oviatt of St. Charles, Aleesha Oviatt of Rochester, and Hunter Oviatt of St. Charles; his love, Christine Abel and her children: Bradley, Gabrielle and Adilyn of St. Charles; his parents, Harold and Sally Oviatt of Rochester; stepsister, Sue (Don) Johnson of Chatfield; stepbrother, Anton (Linda) Petersen of Richfield. He was preceded in death by his grandparents who helped raise him, Lyle and Dorothy Oviatt.
Funeral Services for Darrell will be at 11:00 PM Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at Stewartville United Methodist Church with the Pastor Wane Souruda officiating. A reception will follow the service with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Friends may call from 5-8 PM on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at Stewartville United Methodist Church and for one hour before the service on Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Alaxzandra, Aleesha, Hunter, Bradley, Gabrielle and Adilyn. Please share a favorite memory of Darrell, view his video tribute when it becomes available and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Services of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.