Darrell was born on June 1, 1962, to Albert and Shirley (Hearley) Kintopf in Algoma, WI.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran church in Sturgeon Bay. In 1982, Darrell met James Schley working at Country Kitchen in Sturgeon Bay (he was Jim's supervisor).  On August 13, 1982, they committed their lives to each other.

Darrell started his career as a cook at the Captain's Table in Algoma and went on to be sous chef at the former Embassy Suites in Green Bay.  He changed gears and worked several other jobs, eventually moving to Appleton.  He worked at Orbis and then at The Animal Referral Center (now the Blue Pearl) until his health began to deteriorate in 2006-7. Darrell's pride and joy was caring for his children; his "fur babies", Gunnar (Norwegian Elkhound), Eli, Sassy, and Zeus (his cats).  Darrell enjoyed feeding his birds, chipmunks, and squirrels daily, housekeeping and most of all, cooking…his beer battered fried chicken, homemade meatloaf and "any occasion" roasted turkey will be sorely missed.  On most days, Darrell could be found on his iPad searching recipes, churches and classic architecture or pipe organs of the world. He will be missed by his 919 Pinterest followers.  Earlier this summer he bought his final Christmas tree (yes, he had many).  Christmas was his favorite season, and the house was always adorned with several trees and decorations everywhere.  This tradition will continue always!

He is survived by life partner of 41 years, Jim, his bother Paul (Sue), sisters-in-law: Jenny Kintopf, Lynn Challe (brother Dave's wife), nephews: Andy and partner Bruce, Nick, nieces: Michelle Munyon (Eric) and Christina Fox (partner Chris).  Great nieces and nephews, Caitlin, Levi, Maddie and Greg.  Darrell's "sisters in law" on Jim's side, Diane Schmidt, Wendy (Gary) DeKeyser, Elaine Kasten, Nancy Schley and Sharon Whitford and Jim's 14 nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by aunts June Krauel and Jane (Fritz) Sperber and uncle, Alan (Linda) Kintopf, aunts-in-law Joanne Kintopf, Louise Kintopf and Barb Kintopf and uncle, David (Sandy) Hearley and family friend Yvonne Iwen.  Darrell will be sadly missed by his three closest friends, Mark Klarner and Mark "Squared" Heise, and Jim Domro (AKA Ducca).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Albert, two brothers, David and Dale one infant sister, Mary Ellen and nephew Greg, uncles John, Jim, Norbert and Milt, uncle-in-law Karl Krauel and aunt-in-law Dorothy Kintopf.

A public Celebration of Life II is planned for Saturday October 21, 2023.  Further details will be posted on Jim's FB page.

Darrell & Jim would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Nick Freeman and Dr. Marada in ICU, and nurses, Allison, Brooke, Cassie and Holly at ICU and stepdown care, and the many, many other Doctors and Nurses at St. Elizabeth in Appleton and those at Froedtert in Milwaukee for the exceptional and personal care that they gave to Darrell over the past two months.  Lastly, thank you to Dr. Laundrie and the staff at Wound care who became our "second family" over the past two years.