Darin C. Fortier
August 11, 1970–April 30, 2025
Darin Carl Fortier, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
He was born on Aug. 11, 1970, at Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma, Wash., to Robert C. Fortier and Virginia M. (Cook) Fortier.
Darin was the youngest of six boys. Born with Down Syndrome, Darin never let anything slow him down. He attended school in Garnavillo, Iowa, where he created lifelong friendships that carried over into his time at the Opportunity Center, where he worked proudly until Alzheimer’s disease made it no longer possible.
Darin loved participating in Special Olympics events, competing in bocce ball, bowling, basketball, and track and field. He proudly earned State Champion titles in several of these sports.
He especially loved attending Badger Camp each year — so much so that he would pack his suitcase a month in advance in anticipation.
Darin loved life to the fullest. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed being silly and goofing around, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone around him. He also loved traveling. One of his most memorable trips was visiting his Uncle Clarence Cook and family in San Antonio, Texas, with his mother and Aunt Judy Jarnig. That trip also included a visit to Graceland, home of one of his favorite singers, Elvis Presley.
Another favorite artist of Darin’s was Michael Jackson.
In addition to music, he loved WWE wrestling, Gunsmoke, The Flash plus he was a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan.
Darin is survived by his brothers: Robert (Arkansas), Larry (Kimberly) of Holmen, Wisconsin, and Randy of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; his Uncle Marlin (Margaret) Cook of Tampa, Florida; and his Aunt Judy (Cook) Jarnig of Green Bay.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by Jim and Della Cook, Clarence Fortier, Ellen Shelton, Mark Fortier, Glenn Fortier, Robert C. Fortier, and Virginia M. (Cook) Fortier and their dog Precious.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Becky and Rick Bartels, Josyah Brunning, Shaelynne Brunning, and Tyler Brunning for the exceptional love and care they gave to Darin. Family is not always blood.
The family would also like to thank the Crossing Rivers Hospice Team for their support and compassion.
Funeral services were held on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pastor Brent Heller officiated with private inurement at a later date in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, both in McGregor, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darin’s name to: Prairie du Chien Special Olympics 430 S. Illinois Street Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com.
