Darwin Linn 
— Corning

Darwin Ernest Linn, 76, of Corning died July 15, 2011, at Creighton University Hospital in Omaha, Neb.

Celebration of life services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, at Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home, 905 Benton Ave., Corning. The Rev. Ken Rummer will officiate. Internment will be in Villisca Cemetery. Open visitation will be 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with family present 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given in Darwin's name. Online condolences may be left at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.

Darwin Ernest Linn, son of Grace (Lloyd) and Ernest Linn, was born Sept. 23, 1934, at home on the family farm near Elliott.

Darwin 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 graduated from Villisca High School in 1953.

Darwin was a member of the Iowa National Guard Company F while in high school and after graduation.

On Nov. 10, 1957, Darwin married Martha Darnold at the Methodist Church in Villisca.

Darwin worked on a farm with his father and cousin Harry Olson. Darwin worked farms in the Morton Mills, Grant and Corning areas.

Darwin had 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. He created Pheasants Galore.

Darwin was a member of the American Legion in Corning and served as commander.

Darwin was a partner in the Olson-Linn Museum. It was during this time the Villisca Axe Murder House became available, and he and Martha purchased and restored the house.

He was also a charter member of the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society and active member of Old Tyme Power Club. He served as superintendent of the antique show at Adams County Fair for many years.

Darwin was a football and basketball official for several years.

Darwin is survived by his wife Martha of Corning; daughters, Patty (husband Randy) McPherren of Unionville and Margaret (husband Tom) Lee of Eddyville; grandchildren, Blake McPherren and Morgan and Grace Lee; sisters, Sara Peterson of Red Oak and Barb Focht and brother Jack of Villisca; nieces, nephews and friends.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; sister Alice Lantz and brothers-in-law, Carl Vansant, Richard Peterson, Merrill Lantz and Marvin Focht.