Darrel Van Mockridge

   Darrel Van Mockridge, age 55, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023, in his home.

          Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes in Ithaca, MI, at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 26, 2023.  Burial will take place at Lakefield Township Cemetery, Lakefield Township, MI, at a later date. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 2:00-8:00 P.M. and also the day of the funeral from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

          Darrel was born in Alma, Michigan on May 29, 1968, to Donald Kenneth Schultz and Eleanor Arlene Mockridge.  Darrel spent the majority of his time fixing things. He was always able to take something broken and make it worth something. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, hosting big cookouts and watching football with the people he loved. Darrel spent his free time gardening, grilling, and working on vehicles. He was known for his avid love of hunting.

He knew how to do everything and if he didn’t, he figured out how. As he would say, he was a “jack of all trades, master of none.” The line of work he was most proud of was his flooring and carpentry. He did all of the work in his own homes, as well as his son’s. There will always be a piece of him there. He cherished his grandkids greatly, and loved golfing with Evan and making silly faces at Emmitt. His children were his world, there was never a doubt that he loved them with every fiber of his being. While it is impossible to sum up his life in a few short paragraphs, the stories that will continue to be told will keep him alive forever.

          The impact he left on his kids and the rest of the world is immense. From the clouds in the sky to the bumblebees flying low around the flowers, Darrel will be seen in everything. His advice for his kids today would be to not fear the loss of him, as he has prepared them to thrive in life. Neither family nor friends will ever forget him or his wonderful laugh. We love you, Dad. Thank you for protecting us.

He is survived by his children: Tyler Mockridge and fiancé Ashley Near of Ithaca, MI; Sydney Mockridge of Ithaca, MI; Gracelyn Mockridge of Ithaca, MI; former spouse and mother of his children Cheryl Mayne of Alma, MI; and his grandsons: Evan Flagg and Emmitt Mockridge. He is also survived by his brothers: Donnie Mockridge, Dean Schultz, his sister Deb Lintemuth and many, many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Donald Schultz and Eleanor Mockridge and his brothers: Dan Schultz and Doug Schultz.

          Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.