Darrell Blayne Hutchens

He was born November 23, 1924 in Princeton, Michigan to the late Werden and Ethel Spencer Hutchens. In 1927, when he was three years old, the family relocated to Forestville near Marquette where he lived until he enlisted in the Navy. He attended the Bancroft School for two years, and then transferred to John D Pierce, graduating in 1943. He was a United States Navy Veteran of World War II, serving in both the European and Asiatic Campaigns. His ship took part in the D-Day landing in France transporting troops and equipment. He and his ship were then assigned to active duty in the Pacific. His two brothers Paul and Edward were in the Service at the same time, and he and his parents were always grateful they all returned unharmed. After his military career, he worked as an electrician for two years in Marquette before beginning employment at the Marquette Branch Prison. He retired in 1983 as the Electrical and Mechanical supervisor after thirty-four years. He married the love of his life, Leeta (Mitzi) Frances, in November of 1947. They resided in Marquette raising three children. He received his private pilot’s license after returning from World War II and was a member of the Marquette Flying Club. He was a Charter Member of the Marquette County Association of Law Enforcement Officers, and the United States Navy Amphibious LST Association. He loved to communicate with his old Navy buddies by way of his Internet web page where many shipmates and their families contacted him for information. He was a wonderful compassionate father/grandfather. His many accomplishments included flying airplanes and building several homes in Marquette. He was also a wonderful artist painting many local scenes. He was an avid fisherman and spent much time on the Dead River falls at Forestville where he lived his childhood. The Chocolay River was also one of his favorite spots. He is a member of St Michael Catholic Church in Marquette.

Surviving are his children, Joseph M (Pamela) Hutchens of Marquette; Patricia L (Scott) Jouppi of Juneau, AK; and Michael P (Wendy) Hutchens of Mill Creek, WA; five grandchildren; Jeannie (Cody) Kemp of Kyle, TX; Dawn (Matthew Culbreth) Jouppi of Juneau, AK; Dusan (Cheyenne) Jouppi of Hilo, HI; Jordan and Taylor Hutchens of Mill Creek, WA; five great-grandchildren; Dashel, Lyra and Errol Culbreth of Juneau, AK; Kawehi and Kaya Jouppi of Hilo, HI; sisters-in-law Mary (Paul) Hutchens and Marie Barry; special nieces Diane and Lyn Nelson; Adean Robinett; nephew Steve (Barbara) Hutchens; and many other loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Leeta M (Mitzi) Hutchens in 2017; brother Paul Hutchens; brother/sister-in-law Edwin and June Hutchens.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, August 3, beginning at 1:00 pm until the time of services at 2:00 pm. Rev. Greg Heikkala will officiate. A reception will follow in the reception room located at the funeral home. Interment, with veterans honors, will be made in the Park Cemetery on Monday, August 5, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family is grateful for the kind care the staff of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans provided him for over three years. Also, for the compassionate care the Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice provided him and the family.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com