Darwin Keith Walter, age 68, of Hitchcock, SD, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at his home.

View Darwin's Funeral Folder

His funeral service was held at 10:00 AM, Friday, December 20, at the Methodist Church in Hitchcock. Interment followed in the Altoona Cemetery. His service was live-streamed .

His visitation was held between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 19, at the Methodist Church in Hitchcock.

Darwin was born December 6, 1956, in Huron, to William P. Walter and Lena Ruby (Tschetter) Walter Hoelzel Hansen (United in marriage on June 23, 1940). He was the youngest of three boys, Lynn the oldest and Ronald the middle. His father, William, died unexpectedly on February 12, 1961. His mother, Lena, was later united in marriage to Carl Hoelzel on November 25, 1964.

Darwin lived in Hitchcock his entire life. He graduated from Hitchcock High School, May 1975. He farmed on the family farm for many years and continued to farm with area farmers, helping them with their operation until his death.

He enjoyed farming, cattle, hunting, fishing, playing cards, darts, pool, watching area High School Sports, the Pittsburg Steelers, and teaching younger generations various life skills. One of his proudest moments in recent years was teaching the younger firemen how to clean and prepare rocky mountain oysters, a very important life skill.

The fire department was a huge part of his life, serving on the Hitchcock Fire Department for 45 years, where he served as Assistant Fire Chief and Treasurer. His favorite event of the year was always Santa Day at the fire hall. He loved seeing all the kids and serving them his famously strong Shirley Temples. Darwin was a kind and quiet man, always willing to help whoever, whenever. He was a staple of the Hitchcock Community and he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Darwin is survived by his brother, Lynn (Alice); his nephew, William "Bill" Walter (Marsha); his niece, Tasma "Taz" Paye-Wilke (Patrick); his great-nieces, Abigail "Abi" Walter, Alison Wilke and Caleigh Wilke; his great-nephews, Gustaf "Gus" Walter, Bradley Wilke and Luca Herzog; as well as his beloved pug, Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his father, William; his mother, Lena; his step-father, Carl Hoelzel; his brother, Ronald; and many aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hitchcock Volunteer Fire Department.

View Darwin's Floral Arrangements