Darwin A Caskey

Darwin Caskey, age 74, of Appleton, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at his home in Appleton. A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 4:00 P.M. at the Zniewski Funeral Home - Vaala Chapel in Appleton.

Darwin Allen Caskey was born on June 17, 1949, in Willmar, Minnesota, son of Roy and Myrtle (Bentley) Caskey.  He was baptized and confirmed at the 1st United Presbyterian Church in Willmar, MN.  Dar grew up on a farm near Raymond, Minnesota where he graduated high school in 1967.  In 1970, he went on to receive his diploma for Machine Tool & Die at Willmar Area Vocational Technical Institute in Willmar, MN.  After working for four years as an apprentice, Dar earned his Certification of Apprenticeship as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker through the State of Minnesota.

Dar worked for 31 years in the Tool & Die Trade.  Notably as a journeyman toolmaker for Tonka Toys Corporation in Mound, Minnesota.  He then held various roles at Montevideo Technology INC (SL-MTI) in Montevideo, MN with the last position being Development Manufacturing Engineer/Commercial Products Plant Manager.  Dar was very proud to work on the Patriot Missile Program, often talking about his time spent in Israel.  Starting in 2000, Dar worked as the Vice President of Production for Corbin Motors Inc. out of Hollister California. Dar then went on to work as a semi-retired semi-driver for Western Consolidated Co-Op out of Holloway, MN.

Dar was an avid Harley enthusiast, sharing that passion with his son by gifting him a dirt bike at the early age of 5.  They had several motorcycle rallies around the state as well as attending the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota.  He was also a Charter member of the ABATE Way West Chapter focusing on charities for children and motorcycle education.  He enjoyed traveling as a family, camping throughout the western side of the United States, as well as Visiting his snowbird parents in Texas.

Anyone who knew Dar knew that he was a proud grandpa – he loved working on projects and bantering with both of his grandkids. He was proud to have a third-generation toolmaker in the family!   Not only that, but he was also proud to have a granddaughter that has a master’s degree and is working at the University of Minnesota.  He taught both kids how to drive a manual transmission Jeep taking them through the back trails behind his home.  They often looked at old family pictures while discussing the Caskey family history.

Religion was a great part of Dar’s life. He enjoyed reading scriptures from the bible and most recently attending church at The Refuge in Montevideo, MN.

Dar passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at his home in Appleton, MN at the age of 74. He is survived by his son Jason Caskey (and Karin Larson) of Dassel, MN., Grandson, Cody Caskey of Dassel, MN., and Granddaughter Marissa Caskey, of Edina, MN. Siblings, Janice (and Kenneth) Johns, of Bellevue, NE., David Caskey of Buffalo, MN., Michael Caskey of Pennock, MN., and LeAnn (and Kevin) Navratil of Mission, TX. Dar was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Myrtle, Nephew Bradley Johns, and Sister-in-law’s Karen and Connie.

Dar’s Family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and kindness during this time of sorrow.