Darrell Sadowsky, 70, Gladstone, died on Friday, February 13, 2026 at his home. Darrell’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Brandon Wolf as celebrant. Interment will follow at Sts. Peter & Paul. Cemetery, New Hradec. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Ron Keller presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Darrell Louis Sadowsky was born on March 2, 1955, to Louis J. and Victoria (Rambousek) Sadowsky. He was the oldest of 5. He attended farm school and boarding school in New Hradec for grades 1–8, then went on to Trinity High School, graduating in 1973.
Unbeknownst to him at the time, Darrell met the love of his life, Mary Ann Stoltz, while attending Trinity. Their romance truly began in 1975 while Mary Ann was working on a farm just a few miles from Darrell’s home. Darrell’s mom started inviting Mary Ann over for supper — and the rest is history. They became engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1977 and were married on September 30, 1977, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson.
After marrying, they lived in Darrell’s grandparents’ basement for three months before moving to the family farm in December of 1977. Together they built a beautiful life and raised five children: Justin Darrell (1978), Dustin Joseph (1982), Travis James (1983), Alexia Jo (1987), and Bobbie Jo (1991).
Darrell worked on the family farm and at Stockmen’s Livestock before beginning his lifelong career with Coca-Cola Bottling in 1981 as “the Coke Man.” He proudly served for 44 years and was planning to retire in the coming months. In December 2025, the Coke Plant honored him with a heartfelt retirement party celebrating his dedication and service. Throughout his life, Darrell continued helping family and friends on their farms.
In 1999, Darrell and Mary Ann moved to Gladstone, ND. Shortly after, his brother-in-law convinced Darrell and his three sons to join the Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department — beginning a 25+ year commitment as a volunteer firefighter. The memories made alongside his brothers and sisters at the department, and the friendships formed there, will forever be treasured.
In 2006, Darrell was nominated for Gladstone City Council, beginning a 20-year journey of public service that ultimately led to his becoming the Mayor in 2025.
In June of 2008, Darrell proudly became “Papa” with the birth of his first grandson, Cade. He was later blessed with Jasper (2011), Harper (2012), Rune (2012), Dawson (2013), Camden (2017), Ronin (2018), Carter (2019), Quintin (2021), and Benson (2025). Anyone who knew Darrell could see the glimmer in his eyes when it came to his “little people.” Once he finally upgraded to an iPhone, FaceTiming his grandchildren became a favorite pastime.
Darrell’s life was full and deeply blessed. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving Grand Knight. He was famously known as the Trinity Mardi Gras chicken fryer. He loved playing pinochle and made sure all his kids learned how to play. He delighted in dressing up as Santa and cherished trips to Vikings games with his sons and all the phone calls during Viking games.
In recent years, Darrell began “heading to the lake” with his boys, embracing camping and fishing — always catching the biggest fish, despite being allergic and unable to touch them or remove them from the hook. The memories made with his lake family were priceless.
Darrell was a natural teacher and leader, always selfless and making sure everyone else was taken care of first. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 48 years, Mary Ann; his sons Justin (Melissa), Dustin, Travis (Lacy); his daughters Alexia (Brandon) Eslinger and Bobbie (Casey) Doll; his nine grandsons and one granddaughter; along with his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends at the Gladstone Fire Department, and coworkers at Coca-Cola Bottling.
He was reunited at Heaven’s gates with his parents, his in-laws, and his baby sister, Tina Marie and brother-in-law Jeff who surely welcomed him home with open arms.
In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be made to the Gladstone Fire Department, honoring Darrell’s lifelong dedication to serving others, or toward trees to be planted in Gladstone parks as a living tribute to his legacy.