William F. Von Stocken “Darnay the Magician”

William F. Von Stocken “Darnay the Magician” Age 91 of Burnsville, Bill Von Stocken went home to be with the Lord on April 24th, 2018 after a brief illness.

Bill was Darnay the Great, a magician who performed throughout the Midwest and parts of the east coast. Preceded in death by wife, Bettie Jeane; survived by son Bill (Noel) Von Stocken; daughter, Darla (Ron) Lievense and four granddaughters: Tiffany (Phillip) Johnson, Kristy Lievense, and Angela (Cameron) Avery and Noelani Von Stocken.

The family is grateful for Senior Helpers of Burnsville and The Moments of Lakeville. Memorials may be directed to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or the Gideons International.

Bill was baptized as a baby in Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He was baptized as an adult in his sixties by immersion at Faith Covenant Church.

Graduated from Roosevelt High School, Minneapolis. Served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a High Speed Radio Operator in the Signal Corps.

Bill was in the Horse Calvary in the Army during WWII.

He graduated from the Gale Institute Minneapolis and from Minneapolis Business College.

Bill was active in leadership roles in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as his son Bill went through these organizations becoming an Eagle Scout.

Bill coached his son Bill’s little league baseball team. Bill also coached is daughter Darla’s softball team.

Bill performed a Gospel Magic Program (1/2 hour) in hundreds of churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Virginia, and NC.

During his lifetime, Bill worked for many companies big and small as a Salesman. Some working in the Twin Cities, some traveling in 12 states.

Starting in 2002, worked one day a week in the World Wide Missions Thrift Store in Burnsville, until its close in September 2008 (seven years.)

Member of the Society of American Magicians (the oldest magic organization) A member since 1957. Local Chapter Assembly #12, The Hocus Pocus Club.