Darwin Lynch

Darwin Wesley Lynch, 88 of Mesa Arizona formerly of Gladbrook and Marshalltown Iowa passed away on February 14, 2016 with his loving wife Donna beside him in Mesa Arizona. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday February 20, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Gladbrook Chapel United Methodist Church, rural Gladbrook. Burial will follow services at the Chapel Hill Cemetery, rural Gladbrook. Visitation for Darwin will be Friday February 19th, 2016 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown Iowa where family will be present to greet friends from 5-7 PM. Darwin was born on April 26th, 1927 in Marshall County Iowa. He was the son of Alva and Maymie (Hoing) Lynch. He grew up on the family farm west of Gladbrook. He attended Vienna #6 County school where he won several county spelling bees. He then attended high school in Gladbrook where he graduated as class Salutatorian in 1943. In 1949 he met his future wife, Donna Shultz. They married on August 28th, 1949. They had 66 memorable years together and 3 wonderful sons, 2 daughter in laws, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Darwin began farming at an early age and continued his lifelong passion of farming until he retired and moved to Marshalltown in 2000. Darwin was a long time member of Chapel United Methodist Church rural Gladbrook. He held many offices including Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and youth leader for several years. He was a 4-H member and leader of the Marshall County Mounties and Wolfcreek Whirlwind 4-H clubs of Marshall and Tama County. Darwin exhibited cattle at the county and state fairs. He was a longtime Farm Bureau member and director of Springcreek Township. He was a 30 year member of the Gladbrook Lions Club holding many offices. Darwin and Donna enjoyed traveling and were members of several camping clubs. He loved playing cards, especially 500 and belonged to several card groups over the years. After moving to Marshalltown, he learned how to play golf and he loved that game and enjoyed visiting the local senior citizen center for quick game of pool or cards with the men. He also enjoyed fishing in Canada with friends and family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will truly be missed by all. Darwin is survived by his wife Donna Lynch of Mesa Arizona, three sons Douglas (Peggy) Lynch of Scottsdale Arizona, Kerry Lynch of Castaic California and Kevin (Mary) Lynch of Gilbert Arizona. Grandchildren Andrew (Julie) Lynch of Laguna Niguel California, Stefanie (Chris) Neumer of Waukee Iowa, Misty Lynch of Chicago Illinois, Jacob (Jennifer) Lynch of Phoenix, Arizona and Jaret (Mina Saito Fianc`)of Phoenix Arizona and 5 great grandchildren, Emma and Jackson Lynch, Sofia and Alexa Neumer and Natalia Lynch. Sisters Doris (Bill) Tessau, Gladbrook Iowa, Janice (Dale) Larsen, Cedar Falls, Iowa. A Brother Mark (Darbie) Lynch, Gladbrook Iowa, Brother in laws Dwayne (Maxie) Shultz and Dennis (Mary) Shultz all of Marshalltown and a very large extended family and many good friends. Darwin was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles.