Aaron Lancaster

Aaron P. Lancaster, age 48 of Darlington, WI passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021 at his home in Darlington surrounded by his family. He was born June 21, 1972 the son of Bob Lancaster and Janice Ruf in Darlington. Aaron grew up in Darlington where he graduated from Darlington High School in 1990. While at DHS, Aaron was a 4-sport star athlete in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He led his basketball team to a state title in 1990. Following high school, Aaron attended Northern Iowa on a football scholarship for a year and a half until he decided basketball was where his heart was and transferred to the University of Wisconsin - Platteville to play for Bo Ryan and his basketball team. There, he contributed to the 1995 National Championship. Although he was always busy with basketball, he still took great pride in his studies, graduating from UW-Platteville with his bachelors degree in Education and later receiving his masters degree in Counseling as well. It was in college that Aaron reconnected with his future wife, Denise Osterday and began dating in 1993. They were united in marriage on August 14, 1999 at Darlington United Methodist Church in Darlington. Together they had three sons who Aaron absolutely adored: Carter, Cannon, and Coby. Aaron started his teaching career at Highland High School in Highland, WI where he taught history and then was their guidance counselor. It was at Highland that Aaron's coaching career began as he coached girls and boy's basketball, and football. In 2010, Aaron took his first principal job at Pecatonica School District in Blanchardville, Wi where he served as acting principal for 5 years and continued to coach girls basketball and was a football assistant. In 2015, Aaron came back home to Darlington where he became Principal at Darlington High School. He was proud to be an assistant basketball coach for a team he once won a championship with and had the ability to coach his son Carter. From 2019-2020, Aaron also served as Darlington's athletic director. Although Aaron was always proud of all the athletes he coached, his three favorite athletes were always his sons. He coached all of the boys' sports growing up from Cal Ripkin Baseball and little leagues to traveling basketball teams. When Aaron wasn't busy coaching, he loved vacationing and fishing up north with his family and friends. He enjoyed taking yearly summer trips with his high school friends and couples. Aaron cherished the time he spent with his boys at the family pond where they would fish and bond. He was an avid sports fan, always cheering for Wisconsin Badger and Darlington Redbird Sports. Aaron spent his entire life taking care of others and helping others succeed whether it was on the court/field or in the classroom. Outside of his own family, the students and staff at any school he taught at were his pride and joy. Although the title of principal is intimidating, most staff and students found him very approachable because of his fun and loving persona. He had a kind and gentle soul that will forever be missed by his family and friends. Aaron is survived by his wife Denise at home; his three boys: Carter, Cannon, and Coby at home; his mom: Janice (Al) Ruf of Darlington; and Bob (Diane Berget) Lancaster of South Wayne, WI; his four sisters: Melissa (Rick) Rankin of Darlington, Stacy (Brandon) Temperly of Platteville, WI, Nicole (Travis) Lewin of Darlington, and Danielle (Tyler) Duerst of Darlington; grandparents: Don and Janis Ruf of Darlington; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Glenn and Joyce Lancaster; and his maternal grandparents: Orville and Norma Anderson. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church (15691 County Rd. K, Darlington) with Rev. Angela Utter of Darlington United Methodist Church in Darlington officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held Friday, March 19, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Darlington. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Aaron's name. Feel free to wear your favorite sports apparel in honor of Aaron's love for sports.Due to Wisconsin state mandate, masks are to be worn throughout your visit inside the church and proper social distancing guidelines are to be practiced at all times.