Darwin Linn seated in a Model-T Ford near Villisca, Iowa. (Fourth Wall Films photo)
Darwin Ernest Linn, 76, of Corning, passed away July 15, 2011 at Creighton University Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Celebration of Life services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home, 905 Benton Avenue, Corning, with Reverend Ken Rummer will officiating. Internment will be at the Villisca Cemetery. Open visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. with family present 5-7:00 p.m. at the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home. Memorials may be given in Darwin’s name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.
Darwin Ernest Linn was born September 23, 1934 at home on the family farm near Elliott, to Ernest and Grace (Lloyd) Linn. He attended grade schools in the Elliott and Red Oak areas before the family moved to a farm near Morton Mills when he was in eighth grade. He was a graduate of the Villisca High School Class of 1953. During high school he had a love of sports, particularly football and track and was also active in FFA. He was President of the Villisca FFA Chapter and an elected State Vice President. Darwin was also a member of the Iowa National Guard Company F while in high school and after graduation.
Darwin’s love for farming continued after graduation, working with his father, Ernest, and cousin, Harry Olson. Darwin worked farms in the Morton Mills, Grant and Corning areas. Darwin’s passion for farmer’s rights led him to a position with the National Farmers Organization and worked out of the Corning office. After the NFO left the Corning area, Darwin continued to find ways to assist farmers. One of these ventures was the creation of Pheasants Galore. Pheasants Galore provided hunters with a place to stay and hunt pheasants. In turn, the farmers were compensated for managing and protecting the pheasant populations.
While not a veteran that served in a war, Darwin’s work in the National Guard and strong appreciation for veterans, lead to his active involvement with the American Legion in Corning. As Commander, he ensured that there were Memorial Day Services and was instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Memorial in Central Park. Darwin also oversaw the construction of permanent flag structures throughout Corning to allow for easy flag placement during holidays. Darwin also had a strong commitment to children and helped established Veteran Day programs in the elementary school. He also formed a collaboration between the American Legion and the Rotarians to provide a meal for the 4-H kids during their preparation for the first day of the fair.
Darwin enjoyed the preservation of history and after working many years with his cousin, Harry Olson, was given the opportunity to become a partner in the Olson-Linn Museum. It was during this time that the Villisca Axe Murder House became available and he and Martha purchased and restored the house. The property is now on the National Historical Register and is one of Southwest Iowa’s most popular tourist attractions. He was also a charter member of the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society and an active member of the Old Tyme Power Club. He served as superintendent of the Antique Show at the Adams County Fair for many years. Darwin wrote many short stories for the Extension Publication, “Time Out”. These stories recalled Darwin’s life and times as a youth growing up on the family farm and were later compiled into a book called “The Good Old Days”.
Darwin’s love of sports continued after graduation. He was a football and basketball official for several years. After moving to the Corning area, he actively participated in a men’s slow pitch softball league and later assisted in the acquisition and construction of men’s slow pitch softball diamonds in Corning. He was an avid fan of his daughters’ sports and activities in Corning and this dedication extended to his grandchildren. He graduated a Villisca Blue Jay, but was also a dedicated Corning Red Raider, Centerville Big Red and Eddyville-Blakesburg Rocket fan.
Darwin married Martha Darnold on November 10, 1957, at the Methodist Church in Villisca. He is survived by his wife, Martha, of Corning, two daughters, Patty (Randy) McPherren, Unionville and Margaret (Tom) Lee, Eddyville and three grandchildren, Blake McPherren and Morgan and Grace Lee. He is also survived by sisters, Sara Peterson, Red Oak, Barb Focht, and brother, Jack, of Villisca. He will also be missed by many special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding Darwin in death include his parents, sister, Alice Lantz, and brothers-in-law Carl Vansant, Richard Peterson, Merrill Lantz, and. Marvin Focht.
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Editor's note: Darwin Linn appeared in the documentary feature film Villisca: Living with a Mystery and in numerous television shows related to the 1912 Villisca axe murders.
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