Donald “Donnie” Walter Darm, age 89, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at his home with his family by his side. Don was born on February 1, 1930, in Milwaukee, to the late George and Laura (Witt) Darm. In 1931 Don’s family moved to Shawano after they purchased a farm and started the Oak Grove Dairy. He graduated from Shawano High School and UW Madison – Dairy Farm short course in 1948. Don was united in marriage to Carol Steenbock on September 19, 1953 at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956 and served with the Occupational Forces in Germany. After he was discharged in 1956, he worked for the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, City Dairy and then for 26 years at Midwest Breeders. Don was on the Town of Wescott Fire Department, served as a Town Supervisor and Chairman, and later became the Town of Wescott Assessor until he retired in 1996.
Don enjoyed country and polka music, snowmobiling, bowling, fishing and having fun with family and friends at their cottage on Shawano Lake. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and taking trips with family and friends. Don had a witty sense of humor and caring personality.
Don is survived by: his wife of 66 years, Carol; children, Sharon (Dan) Bennington of Green Bay and Steven (Wendy) Darm of De Pere; grandchildren Ashley, Samantha and Corey Darm, Lee VanEss, Kristen and Katelyn Bennington and one sister in law Carol Steenbock of Clintonville. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters in law, Raymond and Gertie Steenbock, Harold and Betty Steenbock, Doug and Margie Timmel, Henry and Doris Steenbock and Donald Steenbock.
A funeral service for Don will be held at 11 am, on Friday, November 22, 2019. At Swedberg Funeral Home – Shawano, with Rev. Mark Drangler officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Shawano V. F. W. post 2723. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 4 – 7 pm and again on Friday, from 10 am until the time of service. Burial will be at Lake Drive Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Leah, Tammy and Nicole from Unity Hospice, Rev. Roy Rinehard for his home visits and friends and neighbors for their acts of kindness.
