Gerald "Suke" Darker

Gerald “Suke” Darker, 85, Duluth resident, died Sunday, January 10, 2016 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Duluth, surrounded by his family, after a very sudden illness.

He was born in Duluth, MN on February 8, 1930, the son of William and Valmer Darker.

At the age of 16 he got his solo pilot license and left Duluth Central High School in order to enlist in the army. In his early twenties he was a Golden Glove Boxer and stock car driver. He became a Master Plumber and worked in the field for the next 40 years including teaching classes at Duluth Vo-tech. He was member of the Plumbing and Steamfitters Union, Local 11. Gerald retired from Johnson Controls in 1996, at age 66.

Suke enjoyed spending time with his children and grand-children, camping, traveling, animals (especially dogs), car shows, softball, thrift shopping and sharing.

Gerald is survived by his sons, Jerry and Roy (Sheila); daughter, Diane (Bill); step-daughter, Deborah Spears; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Carol Jackson, many nieces and nephews, as well as close friends. All of whom would describe him as loving, caring, and having a big heart.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karen; brothers, Roy, Robert, and William; sisters, Eileen and Lucy.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Christ Lutheran Church, 2415 Ensign Street, Duluth and continue until the 12:00 PM funeral service with Pastor Michael Main officiating.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard at church following the funeral service.

Burial will be in Bethany Cemetery in Duluth, MN at a later date.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.