Darrell D. Ransom, 94, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Stephenson Nursing Center in Stephenson County, Illinois, on April 8, 2025.

He was born on July 20, 1930, in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Francis and Marie Ransom.  He married Frances (Fran) L. Heck on February 11, 1956.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Julie J. Ransom.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Fran of Freeport, his daughter, Kathleen L. Mason of Ridott; Grandchildren Ryan (Rachel) Hiser of Manville, WY, Katharine (Jack) Rausch Sramek of Monroe, WI, and Victoria (David) Fletcher of Phenix City, AL; his sister, Shirlee Munda of Freeport and four great grandchildren Zachary Hanson, Madilyn Fletcher, Wyatt and Genevieve Hiser.

Darrell was quick to laugh and had a great sense of humor.  He loved everything South Dakota - sunflowers, the Black Hills, hunting pheasants on the prairies and he swore even the air smelled better there!  He enjoyed the outdoors, traveled throughout the western United States and was proud to be a skilled hunter and fisherman. An artist, and an excellent flintknapper, he enjoyed teaching others and sharing his creations with his family and friends.  He loved his many canine companions throughout the years, and they were family, too. Darrell lived the "code of the west" and was always a cowboy at heart.

A beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Darrell left a legacy of love.

There will be no services, per Darrell's request.