Darren David Schloemer, 48, died July 16, 2013 at his home, Great Bend, Kansas, following a well-fought battle against cancer. He was born November 2, 1964 at Great Bend, the son of Donald Dwight and Nadine Marie (Kottwitz) Schloemer. He married Annette Jennings May 6, 1995 at Great Bend. They later divorced. A lifetime Great Bend resident, Mr. Schloemer was an equipment operator specialist for Kansas Department of Transportation. Mr. Schloemer was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed demolition derby, hunting, fishing, loved cars, welding, and spending time with his children and grandchild. He was a foster father to many. Survivors include one son, Tanner Schloemer, of the home; one daughter, Courtney Bortz, Great Bend; two brothers: Darwin Schloemer and his wife Marty, Great Bend; and Denton Schloemer and his wife Becky, Ulysses, Kansas; one sister, Karen Shaner and her husband Dale, Great Bend; and one grandchild, Ryler James Bortz. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Nadine (Kottwitz) Schloemer; one son, Cody David Schloemer; one brother, Douglas Schloemer; and two sisters, Debra Schloemer and DeLila Schloemer; and grandparents, Henry and Minnie (Fischer) Kottwitz and Harvey and Maudie (Hall) Schloemer. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Bend, with the Reverend James A. Strasen officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 18, 2013 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Great Bend Public Library or Kans for Kids to benefit Camp Hope, in care of the funeral home.