IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Darren Makovec

Funeral for Darren Robert Makovec, 60, who died unexpectedly Thursday evening, July 17, 2025, at his home near Lost Springs, will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 24, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Pilsen. A luncheon in the church hall will follow.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home in Herington. Rosary will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the church. Darren will then be laid to rest at Delavan Cemetery in Delavan.

Darren’s life began Oct. 29, 1964, in Marion, the first son of Robert and Carol Makovec. Growing up near Ramona, he attended St. John’s Church through his younger years and graduated in 1983 from Centre High School.

Darren married Vicki Alvarez in 1984. They had two boys, Justin and Ryan. Their time together, though brief, was significant. After Vicki’s passing, he was fortunate to find love again. He married Amy Miller in 1996. With their marriage, he gained two daughters, Dana and Ellie. Their family became complete with the birth of their third daughter, Shelby, in 1997.

Even as a young boy, Darren never shied away from hard work. He spent many hours working fields with his grandpa, dad, and brother. During lambing season, he and Mark were up at night tending to the animals.

Hard work always was balanced with play. Many nights under the yard light, Mark and Darren would take part in a competitive game of some sort. Darren even devised a little golf course by using tuna cans and a croquet mallet.

He also enjoyed fishing, hunting turtles, and rescuing baby birds and rabbits when he wasn’t working. His soft heart and passion to help remained with him for the rest of his life.

As an adult, Darren was well known to the community for being a dependable propane and fuel deliverer. He always was willing to deliver after hours or on holidays if someone needed propane, all with a smile on his face.

In addition, he served on the Centre Education Foundation and Lost Springs Fire Board and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

All these things were a testament to his selflessness and commitment to his community. To know Darren was to know a friend. His easy, caring personality and his genuine interest in people was a gift shared by all who knew him.

Darren was an avid sports lover with his favorite times being spent playing (and winning!) softball tournaments with the Makovec family. He captained many family teams with his unique combination of athleticism and friendly competitiveness. As a lifelong Cougar fan, he often was on the sidelines, in the bleachers, or even standing in that particular spot in the doorway.

He was never prouder than when he became a grandpa. From that time forward, he never was seen without a baby in his arms. At a family gathering, a school event, or church, each new grandchild found a safe perch in Grandpa’s arms. The loyalty and pride of his family, community, and church were evident his entire life.

Darren was preceded in death by his late wife, Vicki, and grandparents John and Irma Reznicek and Albert and Pauline Makovec.

He is survived by his wife, Amy; children Dana (and husband Matt) Gray, Justin Makovec, Ryan (and wife Dani) Makovec, Ellie Miller, and Shelby (and husband Grant) Srajer; grandchildren Addie, Alex, Scarlet, Evan, Torri, Veyda, Hazel, Leo, Calvin, Kobe, Opal, and Jovie; parents Carol and Bob; and siblings Colleen (and husband Randy) Klug, Mark Makovec, Robyn (and husband Troy) Heitfield, and Jenny (and husband Paul) Forrester.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Centre Education Foundation scholarship or the Father Kapaun Legacy Fund.