Obit: Darnell, Kyanna Joy (2007 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Darnell, Jarocki, Boettcher, Rasmussen, Mueller, Blume, Goettl, Serum, Olson, Schultz, Moelter, Barneson, James, Sauk, Meuret

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 2/11/2015

Darnell, Kyanna Joy (25 February 2007 - 3 February 2015)

Kyanna Joy Darnell, age 7, of Altoona, died Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at home in the arms of her parents.

She was born on February 25, 2007, in La Crosse to Joe and Jeni (Jarocki) Darnell. Kyanna was a beautiful and amazing girl. She was very generous, selfless, caring, strong, sensitive, determined, stubborn (in a good way), strong-willed, with an amazing sense of humor that had an ability to share all things. She was an excellent listener and would always ask many thoughtful questions.

Some of her favorite foods were suckers, hard candies, pizza, noodles, mac ‘n cheese, and spaghetti. Kyanna loved picking berries and flowers with her mom; watching Netflix movies while cuddling with her dad; watching Chima - Legos with her brother Ayden; she was able to recite numerous movie lines; she enjoyed watching all princess movies and the Boxcar Children; playing card games, especially SKIP-BO, at which she could beat almost anyone, most of the time; she had an uncanny ability to win at memory games; and she loved to shop with mom and going to garage sales.

She is survived by her parents, Mr. Joe (J. R. ) and Jeni Darnell of Altoona; her brother, Ayden; maternal grandmother, Loretta Jarocki of Withee; Paternal grandparents, Joseph (Mary) Darnell of Withee; great-grandmother, Laudis Darnell of Necedah; many aunts uncles, cousins, neighborhood and school friends.

Preceding Kyanna in death is her maternal grandfather, Bruno Jarocki.

The family would like to thank the following: Altoona School District staff, students, athletics and boosters; Owen-Withee School District, community, athletics and boosters; Ladysmith girls basketball team; Laurie Boettcher; Stacy Rasmussen; Morgan Mueller; Sara Blume; Bethlehem Lutheran Church; Thrivent Financial; Elysia Goettl; Kari Serum; Rosemary Olson; Dr. Kevin Schultz; Altoona Girl Scouts; Lisa Moelter; Mayo Home, Health & Hospice; Julie Barneson NP; Drs. Jeremy & L:ibby Darnell; Vicki James; Josh Jarocki; Rev. Craig Sauk; the staff of Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel; and everyone in the communities who have given donations, love, support and prayers. Last but not least, we would like to thank our close-knit family and friends for their amazing love and support for Kyanna.

Kyanna was diagnosed with DIPG or Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a form of cancer. Please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/kyannadarnell to learn more about DIPG and Kyanna’s determined battle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to any RCU office in the name of the Kyanna Strong Darnell Benefit, which will be used throughout the community for years to come.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 highland Ave. Eau Claire with Fr. Don Meuret officiating. Visitation was at the church on Friday February 6, 2015, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. Visitation was also held at the church on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until time of services.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences maybe shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.