Darrell Clark Rope, son of Rudolph Martin Henry Rope and Lena Sophia (Jabker) Rope, was born on January 27, 1933 near Yorktown, Iowa on the family farm. He passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2007 at Midlands Hospital in Papillion, Nebraska, at the age of 74.

Darrell's entire life was spent in the Yorktown and Clarinda area. He received his education from St. Paul's Lutheran School in Yorktown. He told everyone he grew up during the time when Yorktown was a "boom town". As a young man, trapping and hunting took up a large part of Darrell's time. Farming was a passion for Darrell from a young age. Upon completion of his education, Darrell was engaged in full-time farming. On November 7, 1954, Darrell was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Katherine Marie Cahill at the Christian Church in Clarinda. Following their marriage they lived on the homeplace farm near Yorktown. It was there that they raised their three children, Randy, Ron and Risa. Darrell farmed all of his life and loved every bit of the farm life. He particularly enjoyed anything related to tractors, raising cattle and going to the local cattle sales. In the early evening as part of his daily routine, Darrell could often be found driving around the area watching for deer. He also recalled fond memories of driving a truck for Paul Mueller of Yorktown, hauling livestock to the Omaha and St. Joseph Stock Yards. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Yorktown. Darrell served as an Elder of the church and served on the school board for the Lutheran School while his children attended school there.

Preceding Darrell in death were his dear wife, Katherine; parents, granddaughters, Kelsey Marie Gladman and Rachel Marie Rope; and an infant brother, LaVerne Rope. Survivors include his three children, Randy Rope and his wife Sheri of Coin, IA, Ron Rope and his wife Denise of Clarinda, IA, and Risa Gladman and her husband Rob of Clarinda, IA; four grandchildren, Sara (Rope) Honnold and her husband Brad of Clarinda, IA, Scott Rope of Omaha, NE, Katelyn Gladman and Morgan Rope, both of Clarinda, IA; sister, Bernadine Knuckolls of Sun City, AZ; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Yorktown. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Nathan Dudley. Organist was Karen Anderson. Congregational hymns were "Lift High The Cross", "Beautiful Savior" and "I Know My Redeemer Lives". Attending the memory register were Marcene Von Dielingen, Venita Muller and Mary Etta Otte. Ushers were Robert Wright and Lee Brooke. Casket bearers were Scott Rope, Brad Honnold, Jack Rope, Greg Muller, David Linke and Ron Knight. Honorary casket bearers were Lloyd Muller, Roger Linke, Russell Nelson, LeRoy Nelson, Charlie Drennen and Dale Hartstack. Interment was in the Polsley Cemetery near Yorktown, Iowa. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are being directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to the Clarinda Lutheran School.