Darwin Deuermeyer of Kimball died Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. He was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kimball with Rev. David Milz officiating. Burial will follow at Kimball Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Kimball, and one hour prior to the service at the church Thursday. A prayer service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The funeral service will be live-streamed on the funeral home website. The family kindly asks those in attendance to please wear a mask.
Darwin Wayne Deuermeyer was born and raised in Aitkin, Minn. He began his adult life serving our country from 1948-1952, two years with the National Guard, and 18 months with the Army as a tank commander as part of the 194th Tank Battalion at Camp Rucker in Alabama. During this time, he also was called on to use his artistic talents to paint signs for the Army.
Following his honorable discharge in September 1952, Darwin married Arlene Nix on Nov. 26, 1953. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State Teachers’ College in 1957. He used his talents and education throughout his life to influence children in the school systems i Blue Earth and Kimball, to own and operate D&D Signs, and to create furniture and other wood products.
Upon his retirement from the Kimball Schools system in 1981, Darwin sold American Family Insurance full-time in Annandale, a career he began building part-time while maintaining his jobs in the Kimball Schools and with D&D Signs. He finally retired at the age of 62, other than painting an occasional sign, to immerse himself in woodworking and spending time with friends and family. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kimball where he was a faithful member and served on the council. He also served on the Booster Club and Kimball City Council.
Darwin was preceded in death by his son Dawson in 2013 and daughter-in-law Hendrina in 2020 as well as their daughter Kristine in 2011; Denise and Doug’s infant son Douglas Jr. in 1990; Darwin’s parents Walter and Hattie (Dudonski) Deuermeyer; and Darwin’s five brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife Arlene (Nix) Deuermeyer, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In their 68 years together, Darwin and Arlene reared four children: a son Dawson (and Hendrina) Deuermeyer, and three daughters: Donette Deuermeyer of Plymouth, Deanne Deuermeyer of Portland, Ore., and Denise (and Doug) Kantor of St. Cloud. Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Dawson’s children Andrea (and Dean) Walker; Britany (and Ted) Swaback and their daughters Emelia and Lauren; Aaron (and Michelle) Deuermeyer and their son Cooper; and Denise (and Doug) Kantor’s children Kameron (and Maryanne) Kantor and their children Elsie and Everett, and Kody (and Carly) Kantor.
Aaron Deuermeyer, Kameron Kantor, Kody Kantor, Stan Nix, Mike Johnson, and Lyle Van Horn will serve as casket bearers. Doug Kantor and Janelle Rudningen will provide music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Kimball.