Darwin Henry Holstad was born on September 16, 1938, the son of Henry Edward and Agnes (Norby) Holstad, in Montevideo, Minnesota. He was baptized at Swenoda Church and confirmed in May of 1952 by Rev. Nashiem at Our Savior Church. He grew up south of Benson on a farm, attended District #21 country school and graduated from Benson High School. Darwin worked in Willmar, Minneapolis and Benson. In Minneapolis, he worked at M.F. Patterson Dental Supply. In Benson, he worked at Woodland Centers for eleven years, Swift County Human Services for four years, and at Hardees as the Dining Room Manager. He served as an usher at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church for 25 years. Darwin enjoyed all sports, but football and baseball were his favorites. He was a loyal and enthusiastic fan of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings regardless of the outcome of their season. Darwin thoroughly enjoyed visiting with friends, relatives, his caregivers, and other residents. He had a special gift of remembering names, birthdays and anniversaries of everyone connected with him. He was a very kind and soft hearted man, who greeted everyone with a warm smile and a genuine handshake. Darwin served as his mother's caretaker when she moved into Benson in 1978. In his later years, Darwin resided at Westwood Manor and the Golden Living Center before moving to Luther Haven in Montevideo. His Lord came early in the morning of January 31, 2013, to take him to his heavenly home. He attained the age of 74 years, 4 months, and 15 days. He is survived by two sisters, Marge Evenson of Benson, and Virginia Evenson of Montevideo; one brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Karen Holstad of Edina; nieces and nephews, Sharon (Ron) Cin, Jeanne Baynes, Ronald Evenson, Becky Minnerath, Bonnie Cruz, Michelle Arntzen, Troy Evenson, Gary (Karin) Evenson, Gail Evenson, Jennifer Holstad, and Katie (Ben) Harrison, 22 great-nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. Darwin was preceded in death by his father, Henry, on July 30, 1976; his mother, Agnes, on June 1, 1998; and two sisters in infancy, Violet and Gloria Holstad.
