Charles Daryl Dorsten

Charles Daryl Dorsten, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026. He was born on February 21, 1940, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, to Florence and Charles Dorsten. At the age of 12, Daryl discovered his lifelong passion for radios and electronics, encouraged by his uncle and grandfather. His natural curiosity and mechanical ability led him to begin building radios on his own. Remarkably, at just 12 years old, he began his first job at Radio Hospital in Wapakoneta, where he continued developing the skills that would shape his career. Daryl attended St. Joseph Catholic High School, where he formed many lifelong friendships and graduated with the Class of 1957. He proudly served three years in the United States Army, including 13 months in Korea as part of post-war occupational support. Following his military service, Daryl began his professional career in electronics, first working for Weisner Brothers Commercial Communications and later at Crown Control in New Bremen, Ohio. On June 30, 1962, he married his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Storer. Together, they raised three sons: Daniel Charles, Jeffrey Fitzgerald, and Douglas Christopher. Daryl went on to build a distinguished career as a civil servant, working with radar and communications systems at Newark Air Force Base in Newark, Ohio. His career then took him to Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where he worked on missile launch systems, followed by assignments at Grand Forks Air Force Base in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and the Air Force facility in Denver, Colorado. In 1977, Daryl, Patricia, and their sons moved to Santa Maria, California. He spent the remainder of his career working on the Minuteman Missile Program at Vandenberg Air Force Base. His dedication to his work, his technical expertise, and his commitment to his country were important sources of pride throughout his life. Daryl and Patty enjoyed many happy years together in retirement in Santa Maria until Patty's passing in April 2022. In January 2024, Daryl reunited with his high school sweetheart, Linda Cory, and the two were married. They returned to Wapakoneta, Ohio, where they shared their life together until Daryl's passing. Daryl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Dorsten; his son, Douglas Christopher Dorsten; and his grandson, Christopher Douglas Dorsten. He is survived by his wife, Linda Dorsten; his son, Daniel Charles Dorsten (Janis) and; his grandchildren, Billy, Michael, and Keri-Ann; his great-grandson, Nathan, and his son Jeffrey Fitzgerald Dorsten. Stepchildren, Julie Huelskamp (Tony), Vicki Jansen (Eric), and deceased stepson; Mathew Knotts; 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Daryl will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, dedication, technical talents, strong work ethic, love of family, and the many friendships he made throughout his life. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, with Fr. Sean Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends 9-10:00 a.m. on Friday, the 28th, at the Eley Funeral Home, 1102 Lincoln Avenue, Wapakoneta. Burial is to follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Charles Daryl Dorsten

February 21, 1940 - August 9, 2026