Darrold "Ike" Isaacson

Darrold “Ike” Isaacson passed away of natural cause on December 14, 2020 at the age of 95.

Ike was born, December 6, 1925 in Mellette, South Dakota. Upon the outbreak of World War II, he convinced his mother to let him enlist at the age of 17. With her permission, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in Sioux Falls, SD, in November, 1943. Awaiting his induction, Ike dropped out of high school and moved to Roswell, NM, with his mother and brother joining his father already working for the Army Corp of Engineers. His date of entry to the Army was March 9, 1944, in El Paso, Texas. He trained at camps in Florida and Idaho before going overseas on February 7, 1945 to Rockheath Air Field near Norwich, England. He flew 24 combat missions over occupied Europe in the B-24 Liberator heavy bomber with his crew of nine men. His plane was forced down three times, one of which was a crash-landing. Rockheath Air Field closed on June 12, 1945 whereby Ike and all base personnel were sent back to the United States. Until his discharge, Ike conducted interviews to determine which school new inductees should be sent. Ike was Honorably Discharged from service on May 6, 1946 at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. His military decorations and citations include The American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, two Air Medals for single acts of heroism while participating in aerial flight, and The Victory Ribbon.

After leaving the military, Ike took advantage of the GI Bill and entered education. He earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching credentials from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. He first taught as a science teacher at a Sioux Indian Reservation school in South Dakota. He next obtained a teaching job in Pierre, SD where he met the love of his life, Gladys Mae Linn who taught Home Economics. They married in 1953. In 1957, he became an administrator at The Training School in Plankinton, SD. He next accepted the responsibility as superintendent of schools in Beaver Creek, Minnesota. In 1961 he moved his family to Colorado beginning his career in the Cherry Creek School District which continued for the next 26 years. During this time, Ike earned his Master’s degree in Education Administration at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO. Ike came to Cherry Creek as assistant principal for Cherry Creek High School. He soon transferred to East Junior High, as it was then known, before going to his long-time assignment as principal of Campus Middle Unit. His next responsibility to the district was as the first Director of Middle Schools. Ike stayed on after retirement as an educational consultant before finally leaving public education. He is fondly remembered by staff and students.

Ike is survived by his four children, Tom (Aurora, CO), Mary (Parker, CO), Mike (Sturgis, SD) and Bruce (Centennial, CO); eight grandchildren (Meghan, Andrew, Tyler, Ryan, Justin, Claire, Phoebe, and Emma); and eight great-grandchildren (Cordelle, Danica, Brayden, Nora, Malcolm, Isaac, Ethan, and McKennah). His wife of 57 years, Gladys, preceded him in death on May 27, 2010 as well as his father Carl (1961), mother Clara (1990), both siblings: Keith (2010) and Leonard (1997), and infant great-granddaughter Elizabeth (2007).

Ike grew up during the Great Depression and then went on to fight and win World War II. Those who suffered, sacrificed, and persevered during that stretch of time are America’s Greatest Generation. Through his military, professional, and personal life, Ike was recognized as one who ‘liberated’ others…He is now set free as well. To God be the glory!

Memorial Service to be held Wednesday, July 28th, 2021, 11:00a, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road (one block to the west of Holly Street), in Centennial, Colorado. Military Honor Services follow at 3:00p at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, in Denver, Colorado.

Please share your memories of Ike by signing his tribute wall.