Darrin "D.J." J. Wedige

Austin, Texas — Darrin "D.J." Joseph Wedige, 60, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Atkinson, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at his home in Autin, Texas after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, may 16, 2025 at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson with military rites provided by the Atkinson American Legion Post No. 86.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson is in charge of the arrangements.

Darrin was born on Dec. 23, 1964 in Atkinson to Donald G. and Brenda E. (Cole) Wedige. His mother said he was supposed to be the New Years Baby but, she had to change a tire! 

He attended grade school and junior high at Atkinson Public, graduating the eighth grade from St. Joseph's Catholic School. In December of 1983 he left West Holt High School and worked for his dad in the family business, Wedige & Sons Salvage in Atkinson. He later moved to Lincoln and received his GED from Lincoln South East but was always a proud member of the class of 1984. 

Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army and served proudly for several years in Texas, visiting Canada and several European countries before his discharge.

Darrin was quiet and gentle, an exceptional mechanic, artist, singer, runner, fantastic business man and an accomplished cook. Growing up he spent many weekends at the Crystal Ball Room roller skating and going to area dances with his family and friends. 

He began serving Mass at St. Joseph's at the age of 10 and continued all through school, helping with weekly Masses, funerals and weddings. Filling in for others any time Father would call for help. 

He was a member of the West Holt choir, boy's group and the swing choir. He ran cross-country all four years and served as the manager of the boy's basketball team.   

After leaving the Army he decided to stay in Texas and made his home in Austin, growing a very large and loyal friend group. 

Darrin was a wizard at business! He took several of the restaurants and bars he worked for from almost bankrupt and closer, to thriving! During this time, he began having seizures and was no longer able to drive so, he would take the bus to work. When he was later diagnosed with cancer he told his family that he would not allow it to kill him! He endured several surgeries, chemo and radiation, severe infections, several heart attacks and major weight loss. And still he prevailed!   

Spending time with his family and friends was a great joy for him. When his parents went to visit he made sure to introduce them to all of his friends and escorted them around the city, showing them all of the “cool” places in Austin. He greatly enjoyed coming home to Nebraska but, was a die-hard Texas Longhorn fan, much to the chagrin of his little sister, a die-hard Husker fan! He was very outgoing about his beliefs and views and was greatly loved by many.

Darrin is survived by his five brothers Alan (Coleen) of Kearney, Steven (Charlotte Kloppenborg) of Emmet, Todd (Marilyn) of Lincoln, Michael (Marilyn) of North Richland Hills, Texas and Troy (Kandi Karo) of Fort Calhoun; one sister Jill (Larry) Gettert of O'Neill; two aunts Gladys Cole of O'Neill and Patricia Bouska of Stuart; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his young daughter, his parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles and several cousins.