Barry King

Barry Edward King, age 74, of Darlington, WI entered into Eternal Life on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 after a brief battle with Progressive Muscle Atrophy that he courageously fought while a resident of Lafayette Manor this past year. He was born on June 30, 1945 in Dodgeville, WI the son of John and Ione (Noble) King. Barry grew up in rural Darlington/Mineral Point, WI area. He graduated from Darlington High School in 1963. On June 20, 1964 he married the love of his life, Ruth Ann White at First United Methodist Church in Darlington. Barry farmed during the early years before beginning work at Meixelsperger Cheese Factory in Mineral Point where he drove milk truck and soon after became a licensed cheesemaker. He made cheese for several years before joining the Lands' End team in Dodgeville. He retired from Lands' End in 2009. Barry was a member of Darlington United Methodist Church in Darlington. His family was his pride and joy and he loved spending time with them. Through the years he enjoyed bowling, playing softball, playing cards with the card club of 50+ years, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and helping others any chance he got. He had quite a sense of humor and was always teasing someone. The little ones in his life came to expect the unexpected from him. He will be remembered by many as a kind and compassionate all-around good guy - always willing to help out wherever needed. He will be sadly missed. Barry is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years: Ruth Ann of Darlington; two children: Lori (Tim) Kramer of Pella, IA, and Bud (Tracy) King of Darlington; seven grandchildren: Brian King of Darlington, Amber (Justin) Tranel of Platteville, WI, Sarah (Cody) Roozeboom of Pella, IA Bruce (Lindsay Bloom) King of West Bend, WI, Nick (Emily Mitchell) King of Brodhead, WI, Krissie Kramer of Pella, IA, and Courtney (Hunter Reuter) King of Darlington; nine great-grandchildren: Jonah, Brycen, Kaide, and Eveleigh King, Adelaide and Emmalyn Roozeboom and their baby sister who will be arriving this summer; and Andrew Tranel and his baby sister who will be arriving this summer; two brothers: Gerald King of Darlington and Doug King of Shullsburg; a sister: Kim Reed of Darlington; a sister-in-law: Vicki (Bill) Crist of Darlington; his nieces and nephews: Jay (Rob) King, Jeff (Missy) King, Jon (Jenni) King, Jason (Tammy) King, Casey (Jenny) Crist, and Jill (Josh) Johnson; 14 great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great-niece or nephew on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother Bruce; his father-in-law: Clyde White; his mother-in-law: Ruth White Shultz; his step father-in-law: Allen Shultz; his sister-in-law: Barb King; and his sister: Shirley Pelfrey. A public visitation will be held Saturday, June 6, 2020 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:15 A.M. at First Baptist Church (15691 County Road K, Darlington 53530). A private funeral service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 11:30 P.M. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Angela Utter of Darlington United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Barry's name. Although not required, it is the recommendation of the funeral home staff that masks are worn during the duration of your visit inside of the church and that you practice proper social distancing guidelines.