Darrel Hope

Darrel was born July 28, 1949 to Jack and Emelene Johnson Hope in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated in 1967 from Central High School in Sioux City. After high school he was a sheet metal apprentice and earned his certification. Not long after high school Darrel met the love of his life, Karen Gerch of Lyons, NE. The two knew immediately that they were meant for each other. They married on September 13, 1969. Darrel and Karen later became parents to four children, Brandon, Andrew, Joe & Alisha. During the Vietnam War, Darrel was chosen to be on the draft board for the Selective Service and went to Washington D.C. to participate in the 1st draft board lottery. He was employed at Friend Pike and also Fabricators, Inc. In 1978, Darrel and a partner started Wenrick Metal Mfg. Later Darrel became the sole owner and renamed the business Custom Metal Mfg. Custom Metal was truly a family business, with his brother-in-law, Larry Gerch, working alongside him for 25 years, his three son’s working part time welding, and Karen in the office. After Darrel retired, they moved to West Des Moines to be near their children and grandchildren in 2003. In his “retirement” he was always there for Papa-sitting his grandchildren. He helped with carpooling, he told them stories and gave out hugs freely. This made him the best Papa a kid could ask for. He was one of their biggest fans and he rarely missed one of their events. He was routinely seen on the sidelines taking pictures and video, which his children will cherish. He left them a piece of himself. His gentle nature and pure optimism are two traits which his family will forever remember. To Darrel, the glass was always half full. He believed attitude was everything- not necessarily what happens to you, but how you react to it. His family has been truly blessed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen; children, Brandon Hope (Heather) and their children, Olivia, Brayden, & Bryson; Andrew Hope (Tome) and children Owen, Jacob, & Henry; Joe Hope (Gina) and children Macie, Sophia, Carson; , Alisha Hope Stewart (Chris) and children Jacie & Grady. Siblings, John Hope of Orlando, Florida and Marilyn Hope Powell (Terry) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and his niece, Jackie, and nephews, Mark, Brent, Dusty and Lance. Darrel also treasured his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and their children. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Emelene and Jack Hope, and his nieces, Cheryl Hope and Shelly Hope.

A memorial service will be held at Eternity Church, 2000 NW 100th in Clive, IA., on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 12:00 pm. Directly after the service, a luncheon will be served at the Machine Shed Restaurant, 11151 Hickman Rd • Des Moines, IA. Family will be present until 5:00pm.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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