Darwin Oehlerich

DARWIN OEHLERICH

Keystone

Darwin Oehlerich passed away on Feb. 23, 2022, at the Keystone Care Center after courageously living with Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by his wife and family as they shared their love with him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, with Rev. B. Andrew Wright officiating. Interment will be held at the Keystone Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, at the Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone. A memorial fund has been established.

Darwin was born on March 2, 1940, in Dysart, Iowa, to Ray and Blanche (Schoelerman) Oehlerich. He grew up on the farm and when he wasn't doing chores, he was shooting baskets or playing ball. Darwin graduated in 1958 from Keystone High School, where he led his basketball team to the state tournament and found success in 4-H showing cattle. After high school graduation he went on to play basketball and baseball at Wartburg College, where he received a degree in education in 1962. While in college he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Schminke, in 1959 at St. John Lutheran Church, Newhall, Iowa.

After graduating from college, Darwin and Ruth made their home in Winthrop, Iowa, where Darwin began his teaching and coaching career. In 1964 they moved back home to Keystone, Iowa, where Darwin taught physical education and continued his coaching career. Those who had the opportunity to be on his teams or in his gym remember him as a fair, patient and respected teacher and coach. He began farming in 1974 on the Century Oehlerich farm. Darwin took pride in his farm and loved to show the baby lambs to any kids who happened to be at the farm.

Darwin was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church Sunday, where he was a Sunday school teacher and served on church counsel. Darwin was involved in his community, where he was a lifetime member of Keystone Turners and served on the Keystone Communications Board and the Keystone Care Center Board. His dedication and service to his community will be remembered by many. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing cards, and played on town softball leagues for many years. Darwin loved cheering on the Boston Red Sox ever since he was a young boy.

Darwin shared his life with his wife Ruth for 62 years. They worked together on the farm and had the opportunity to travel with friends and family, which they both enjoyed. Darwin loved his three daughters, Kim (Mike) Mollenhauer, Kathy (Dan) Stockdale and Kristi (Dave) Pyburn, as he would say, "with his whole heart." He was an amazing grandfather to Abby (Matt) Harriman, Jenna (Ryan) Tweeten, Brandon Stockdale, Trevor Stockdale, Austin Stockdale, Jakob Pyburn, Joshua Pyburn and Justin Pyburn. They all enjoyed their time on the farm with Grandpa, jumping bales, driving the truck, cousins camp, going to Turner Hall and seeing the baby lambs. Darwin had four great-granddaughters, Harper, Delaney and Lettie Harriman and Elsie Tweeten; and two great-grandsons, Grant Tweeten and Gehrig Harriman, who called him Grandpa Great. His sisters, JoAnn Jenkins and Sharon Oehlerich; and sister- and brother-in-law, Lois and Grant Wessling; and sister-in-law, Donna Schminke, will miss their caring brother. His many nieces and nephews will remember Uncle Darwin as someone who would joke with them and always have time for them. Darwin's gentle, caring smile will always be remembered.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Blanche Oehlerich; and his mother- and father-in-law, Walter and lima Schminke.

The family of Darwin Oehlerich would like to thank the Keystone Care Center Staff for their wonderful care and support for him and his family. You were his family, and we appreciate each of you. To St. Croix Hospice, we could not have had a more compassionate team of caregivers. We thank you and will remember our time spent with you.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com