Darwin Deim

Darwin Dennis Deim was born December 24, 1929, in Ledyard, Iowa, to Frank and Pauline (Brandt) Deim. He was baptized at the Catholic church in Ledyard, was raised in the Ledyard/Swea City area, attended country school in Grant Township and graduated from Swea City High School in 1947. He attended Estherville Junior College in Estherville, Iowa, and South Dakota State University in Brookings prior to joining the US Air Force in 1951. On November 28, 1952, he married Elaine Heidenwith in Graettinger, Iowa. After marriage they lived in Michigan until Darwin went to Okinawa. Following his discharge in 1955, they returned to Brookings where he received his Bachelor of Education Degree. In 1956, they moved to Fulda, Minnesota, where he was a teacher and coach for 10 years. In 1966 they moved to Waukon, Iowa, where he taught and coached. In 1969, they moved to Northfield. Darwin taught social studies, health, physical education, and coached athletics in Northfield for 20 years, retiring in 1989. Darwin also worked as a crop hail adjustor with the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company for over 40 years.

He enjoyed his many years teaching and coaching and his association with Northfield High School athletics. He enjoyed the many relationships he made with his students and student athletes and considered many of them part of his extended family. In May of this year he was inducted into the Northfield High School Hall of Fame.

Darwin was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church. He enjoyed watching and coaching sports, socializing around town and outdoor activities. He loved his family dearly as they did him. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Elaine; 4 children: Craig and wife Janet of Swea City, Iowa, Jerry of Burnsville, Paula and husband Marty Shroyer of Nerstrand, Jann of Northfield; 6 grandchildren: Justin (Paige), Brent, Gregory (Amy) Deim, Landon, Taylor and Mariah Shroyer; 2 great-grandchildren: Aiden and Brylie; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his uncles and aunts: Gregor and Frances Deim, Weldon and Carol Brandt; and his in-laws, Erwin and Eva Heidenwith.

Darwin passed away with his family by his side, on Monday evening, August 24, 2009, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, at the age of 79.

Funeral services will be 10:30AM Friday, August 28, 2009, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield with Rev. Tim McDermott officiating. Music will be provided by Daniel Kallman, Andrew Schaeffer and Liz Shepley. Interment with military honors will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield. Casket bearers will be his grandchildren: Justin Deim, Brent Deim, Gregory Deim, Landon Shroyer, Taylor Shroyer and Mariah Shroyer. Visitation will be 4-7PM Thursday, August 27, 2009, at Bethel Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue on Friday at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.