NEW GLARUS - Daryl L Watterson is with the Son, the Father, and his own son again. Daryl, age 63, of rural New Glarus, passed away unexpectedly at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI, on December 29th, 2023. Even though he was taken swiftly, he was surrounded by family and loved ones.
Daryl was born October 18th, 1960, in Kansas City, MO, to Larry and Mary (Johnson) Watterson. At a young age, Daryl, with his parents and two younger sisters, moved to his Great-Grandfather Charlie Johnson’s farm in the Cutler Township just outside Camp Douglas, WI. Growing up on a farm, Daryl developed his faith and a great love of husbandry and mechanics that showed in everything he did throughout his life. From a young age, Daryl would take things apart, learn how they worked, and 99.9% of the time, get them back together in working order.
In his younger years, he wandered down a few paths, starting at UW Platteville, then into the US Army, eventually landing at UW La Crosse and earning a degree in finance. On January 14th, 1989, he was married to the love of his life and companion, Debrah Dippen, and with her daughter Sarah, they began to build a family of their own. Shortly after, they moved to the Madison area and added to their family with a son, Joshua in 1990, and a daughter, Danielle in 1993. Daryl dove into fatherhood the same way he dove into all things. If one kid liked skiing, he learned everything about it, from the best skis to the best places to ski to the best techniques. It was important to him that his children could pursue whatever their hearts desired, and he would ensure they had the best of the best to get them on their way. While building his family, Daryl also started his long career at FDIC. His keen eye for mathematics and accounting kept him on a successful track there for over 20 years. Those banking skills also set him up for the next chapter in his life: restaurants.
Daryl was a devout Christian, and as such was a firm believer in Christ and in following His plans. Following this, in 2011, Daryl found what he would forever refer to as his true calling: he joined his wife and oldest daughter’s restaurant business with a vision of making it something greater, and boy, did he ever. The crossroads of his talent with numbers and mechanics helped them add three new restaurants, which were his pride and joy. Without his unique vision and drive to build, the restaurants would not be what they are today, providing a legacy for his children and grandchildren.
Daryl is survived by his wife of 44 years, Deb Watterson; daughters, Sarah (Ross) Thomas of Mount Horeb and Danielle Watterson of Madison; grandchildren Catherine Glamm, Veronica Glamm, Kolby Thomas, Mckade Thomas, and Calton Thomas; sisters, Pamela Watterson and Vicki Watterson.
He is preceded in death by his son, Joshua Watterson, his parents, and his parents-in-law.
A celebration of life will be held on January 29th at 6pm at Stone Porch Alehouse in Verona, WI.
The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com.
Zentner-Beal Funeral Home
