Date of Birth:
Friday, July 11, 1924
Date of Death:
Monday, April 25, 2016
Age:
91 years old

Darwin W. Dingfelder

Darwin William Dingfelder, 91 passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016 at Samaritan Bethany Home in Rochester.

Darwin was born on July 11, 1924 at the family home in Bluff Siding, WI to George and Myrtle (Grewe) Dingfelder. As a young boy, he attended the one-room Bluff Siding country school until 8^th grade. Darwin always enjoyed sharing many fond memories of growing up in the country and walking to school with his dog every day. He would tell of very cold winter days, when his father would hitch up the team of horses and sleigh, and take him to school. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1942. While in high school, he was given the nickname “Friday” as that was the day he always looked forward to which would include spending time with friends, roller skating, seeing a movie or going dancing. He served in the US Navy from 1943 until 1946 as a Radio Operator aboard the USS California in the South Pacific. On March 17, 1946 he married Leida Roth at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester. Together they raised two children. Darwin worked for the Owl Motor Company in Winona as a mechanic during and after high school, which began his lifelong interest in cars. He later worked at Nystrom Motors as Service Manager. In 1958 the couple moved to Rochester. Darwin worked at Rochester Dairy and Marigold Foods, retiring in 1986 after 31 years. He also worked part time for Rochester School Bus Co. for over 35 years. Darwin was a very loving, compassionate, kind and gentle man to his family and friends.

He is lovingly survived by his children Scott Dingfelder of Rochester, Diane Barclay of Galesville, WI, two grandchildren Gareth Dingfelder of Rochester, Jenna Barclay of Jersey City, NJ, his cousins Debra Richmann of Austin, TX, Kenneth Spittler of Winona, MN and his special “other daughter” Nancy (Jaszewski) Platteter of Holmen, WI.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Leida (2014) his brother Rodney who he took special care of, and his parents.    

A Funeral Service for Darwin will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Chaplain Jean Boese officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Rochester. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Military honors at the cemetery will be provided by American Legion Post 92 of Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Legion or donor’s choice.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com