Posted: 02/23/06

Darrell Kevin Wittke, age 40, of Helena, formerly of Great Falls, died as a result of a motorcycle accident in Helena on Feb. 20, 2006. He was born in Power, Oct. 18, 1965, to William J. and Jeannette (Burtness) Wittke. He received his education and graduated from Power High School and also attended Montana State University. He was currently attending nursing school. Darrell and Shairon Sears were married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, May 19, 1996. Darrell served in the U.S. Army, following his discharge he was a BLM smokejumper for 12 years in Boise, Idaho. He worked for the Great Falls Fire Department from 2000-2003 and at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Fort Harrison from 2003 to present time.

He enjoyed skydiving, flying his gyrocopter, riding his motorcycle, sewing, playing Pollys with his daughter Willow and ice skating with his daughter, River. Darrell was a member of the South Hills Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Darrell is survived by his wife, Shairon and daughters Willow and River, all of Helena; brother Conrad (Kathy) Wittke; sisters, JoAnne Marchbanks, Cindy (Bill) Hill, Sandy Wittke, and Monica Wolverton.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Retz Funeral Home Chapel. A reception will follow at the West Valley Fire Hall on Forestvale Road. Memorials in Darrell's name are suggested to the Darrell Wittke's Children Education Fund, c/o the Elkhorn Federal Credit Union at Fort Harrison, MT 59636.