Darwin N. Stougard

Darwin Nelson Stougard was born December 15, 1940, to Charles and Eileen Stougard in Jefferson, Iowa, they moved to Keewatin, MN in 1954 and has been a member of the Community ever since. He married Yalonda Kay Auel in 1985. Darwin went to see his lord and savior on November 15, 2024, at his home with his wife by his side.

He was a loving, caring, compassionate, and devoted husband, father, and friend. A man of few words but always made sure he showed he cared by being the person you could count on when needed. Darwin was a Heavy Equipment Operator in the summer and hauled fuel in the winter for Mancuso and worked his last 20 years for NAPA Auto Parts. He loved the people he met, enjoyed his community and belonged to the Holy Trinity Church where he was involved in the Counsel, cleaning, pasties, and spaghetti & pancake feeds with all his friends.

Darwin is survived by his wife of 39 years Yalonda Stougard; children, Debbie Mericle of Grand Rapids, DeDe Abernathy of Chisholm, and Donna Israelson of Swan River; special nieces, Charlotte Rund of Dalton, Pam Nelson, Brenda Nelson; nephew. Scott Nelson of Michigan; grandchildren, Jenny (Sara) Balzum, Ashley (Kris) Sweep, Buddy (Mellorie) Mericle, Sami and T.J. Ross, Markee and July Abernathy, and Hailey Lane; many great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Rich (Irene) Auel, and Joel Yahrmatter; sister-in-law, Cathie (Jerry) Durham, and many relatives and friends he loved so much. He knew many people and loved them all for who they were!

He is preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Neoma Auel; sisters, Jean Samarzea, Vel Sullivan, and Darlene Nelson; sister-in-law, Bonnie Yahmatter; brothers-in-law, Bob Samarzea, Jerry Sullivan, and Charles Nelson.

A Celebration of life will take place at 11AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the celebration at 10AM.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Fairview Hospice for the care and love they shared with our husband, dad, and family.