Wesley Darwin Klein, son of Andrew and Tina Elizabeth (Moore) Klein, was born on April 28, 1936 in Burke, SD and passed away peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 27, 2020. Darwin, as he was known, spent his childhood years growing up in Lucas SD, graduating from Burke High School in 1955.
After graduation he enlisted into the US Navy and was honorably discharged 2 years later. After leaving the Navy, he returned to SD and worked on the construction of the Oahe Dam and the Platte/Winner bridge.
In September of 1958 he married the love of his life Elva Schroeder. To this union he was blessed with three children.
Darwin held various positions, which included operating a café and bowling alley in Parkston and the “Tee Pee” Café in Bonesteel, SD. Many dairy farmers will also remember Darwin driving a milk truck, which eventually lead him to his true calling of operating a small dairy farm in Lucas, SD. In 1973 he was offered the opportunity to buy his own farmland and moved his family to Bonesteel, SD where he farmed until his retirement. After several years of retirement, Darwin and Elva moved to Gregory.
Darwin is survived by his wife Elva of 62 years, daughters – Kathy (Dave) Hausmann of Pierre, SD and Donna (Mark) Leibrich of Winner, SD; grandchildren – DJ (Liz) Hausmann and Darin (Molly) Hausmann of Pierre, SD; Ashley (Brad) Montgomery and Eric Leibrich of Sioux Falls, SD; great-grandchildren – Hailey Hausmann, Atticus and Zoey Moore, Riley and Cailyn Hausmann and Ainsley Montgomery; sister Norma Inglett, and sister-in-law Eleanor Klein, and several nieces and nephews.
Darwin was proceeded in death by his parents, son Kerry, brother Andrew Wayne, and in-laws Henry and Lilly Schroeder.
Darwin’s belief was that the land, built by the hand of the Lord, was his place of worship. A memorial service for Klein will be held at a later date. Burial was in the Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel.
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