With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Darwin Gortmaker, 81,.
Some lives speak quietly; his is one such story.
Darwin entered this world in 1935 — the start of a journey that would span 81 years.
Darwin spent his working life as ['John Morrell & Co'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
There are stories only long lives can tell. We are grateful for his.
Darwin Dennis Gortmaker, 81 of Marion, died Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Avera Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be at 10:30am Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Calvary Reformed Church, Monroe with burial at Rosehill Cemetery, Parker. Visitation with family present will be from 5-7pm Tuesday with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm at the church. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. Darwin Dennis Gortmaker was born July 12, 1935 to Edward and Joye (Warren) Gortmaker in Monroe, SD. He enjoyed growing up on a farm with brother, Clinton and sister, Edna Sue outside Monroe, SD. Darwin attended grade school at a country school and graduated from Monroe High School in 1954. Following graduation, he worked at John Morrell & Co. in Sioux Falls until he was drafted into the military in 1958 where he served overseas in Germany for 2 years. As a freshmen in high school, a special girl caught Darwin's eye. He dated his sweetheart throughout high school and as seniors they were honored to be homecoming king and queen together. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, LouVaine Louisa Langerock on September 17, 1957. They were blessed with four daughters: LaShelle, Sherlyn, Sharmla and LaShawn; and one son: Daryl. Darwin continued to work at Morrell's until he retired in 1984. He farmed full-time through 2007 and continued helping with the field work through the spring of 2016. Darwin enjoyed raising his children, farming, spending time with his grandchildren, pitching for softball, buying tractors, tinkering around the farm and listening to Christian speakers and watching sports on TV. Family was very important to him and he enjoyed each holiday and get-together that were held. Darwin was baptized as an infant and accepted the Lord as his personal Savior as a young boy. He was a member of Calvary Reformed Church where he attended church regularly through his treatments, even when he wasn't feeling the best. Faith was very important to Darwin. He enjoyed reading his Bible and daily devotional books. Those looking forward to join him in heaven include: his wife of fifty-nine years, LouVaine; daughters, LaShelle (Jim) Farrell, Sherlyn (Allen) Huber, LaShawn (Paul) Bussa; and son, Daryl (Dana) Gortmaker; Grandchildren: Shayne, Shaun, Nick, Dustyn, Daltyn, Seth, Alexa and Macy; and great grandson, Kade; brother, Clinton (Joyce) Gortmaker; Sister, Edna Sue (Don) Smith and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Joye Gortmaker, mother and father in law, Bert and Louisa Langerock; a brother in infancy, Edwin; and daughter, Sharmla Becker.
