Darold Dornbush 10/08/2026

Darold Dornbush was born on August 26, 1958, in Huron, South Dakota, to Betty and Eugene Dornbush. He attended Jefferson Elementary, Huron Junior High, and Huron High School, graduating in 1977. Throughout high school and college, he participated in football and tennis. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern State University and his MBA from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 1983.
During college, Darold worked in construction and as a lifeguard, and his first full time job was sales throughout South Dakota. These early work experiences helped shape his strong work ethic and influenced him throughout his life.
In 1985, Darold moved to the Twin Cities to begin a 33-year career in financial services. He started at Ziegler Thrift Trading and ended his career at Transamerica, two places that proved to be the most impactful and enjoyable chapters of his professional life.
After relocating to New Richmond Darold enjoyed becoming part of the community through tennis, running, biking, camping, and being an active member of the First Lutheran Church. He also loved cheering for the Minnesota Gophers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was a strong presence in every aspect of his life, meeting challenges with determination and remaining committed to the people and things he cared about.
Once retired, Darold continued to keep busy and active in the community as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher for the New Richmond School District, coaching the boys’ junior varsity tennis team, and ushering for the Minnesota Twins. He was not one to sit still for long.
Darold married Jill Wisemiller on September 21, 1995. Jill was a wonderful wife who lovingly put up with a quirky man from South Dakota. The Wisemiller family welcomed Darold with open arms, and together, he and Jill were blessed with three daughters: Katie, Maggie, and Anna. Being a dad was his favorite job. Those were busy years filled with adventures, laughter, and plenty of chaos.
Darold is survived by his beloved wife, Jill, and their daughters, Katie (Sam) Rose, Maggie Dornbush, and Anna (Anthony) Dornbush Capra. He is also survived by his mother, Betty Dornbush; his siblings, Dan (Cindy) Dornbush and Deanna (Jeff) Kingery; and Jill’s family, Laurie (Dennis) Miller, Jennifer Baillargeon, Dan Baillargeon and Mike (Shannon) Wisemiller; along with many nieces and nephews. He was welcomed into heaven by his father, Eugene; his infant brother, William; and his parents-in-law, Jim and Mary Ann Wisemiller.
The Dornbush family is extremely grateful for the care and help from doctors and staff at the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin and Westfields Hospital and Clinic during Darold’s treatment over the course of his cancer journey.
Darold will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and a man who always found ways to stay involved, keep moving, and make the most of life. He believed deeply in faith, education, and community. In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor his life by making a donation to a religious, educational, or community organization of your choice.
A Celebration of Darold’s Life will be on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Ready Randy’s Event Center 1490 131st Street New Richmond, WI with a memory sharing service at 12 pm followed by food and fellowship until 4 pm.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch Darold’s service live on Saturday at 12 noon