Darwin T Fetting

Darwin T. Fetting, 88, passed away to his eternal glory to be with his Lord on Saturday, October 9, 2021, from Marinuka Manor, Galesville, WI. He was the youngest of six children, born to Elmer T. and Delia (Hammer) Fetting on May 16, 1933, in Buffalo County, Wisconsin. He attended public school in Cochrane, then after high school, served in the U. S. Army for 2 years, which allowed him a chance to see many places in Europe. Upon his return, he met Shirley A. Guenther on a blind date. They eventually married on August 1, 1959, in Fountain City, WI, had two children, and celebrated 62 years together. In the early years of Darwin and Shirley’s marriage, he farmed until his back problems kept him from continuing. He took a maintenance job working for Dairyland Power in Alma, WI, and was there for 23 years. During the summers, he’d ride his Honda motorcycle to work when the weather cooperated. After he retired from “the plant,” he enjoyed a couple of part-time jobs as maintenance man at Merrick State Park, and mowing grass at the golf course in Cochrane. This gave them plenty of time to travel and see many of 50 United States. He was also a member of the VFW and volunteered in community events they sponsored. As a lifelong member at Christ Lutheran Church, Cochrane, he was baptized, confirmed and faithfully attended church services and Bible studies. He also volunteered at the church in various ways by ushering, serving on the church boards, and helped to complete whatever maintenance tasks needed to be done inside the church or on the grounds. He found great comfort in knowing his Savior, used his talents and witnessed this faith up to his final days, even while at the nursing home. Darwin loved to laugh at a good joke, read, garden, camp, fish, deer hunt and various other sports. When he was a teenager, he worked as a pin setter at the bowling alley in Cochrane, then became an avid bowler there every week on the men’s league. Deer hunting season always meant getting together for some fun family time. He learned to golf when the golf course started in Cochrane, loved it, and played many rounds there and at other surrounding area golf courses. Ask the family about some of Darwin’s fishing adventures! After he retired, he also had more time to watch and root for the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. It was not unusual for him to watch cartoons or a western movie on TV, with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed being with family and friends! Memories of Darwin will be cherished by his loving wife, Shirley of Cochrane, WI; daughter and son-in-law, Lori & Roosevelt Smith of Onalaska, WI; son, Brian Fetting of Fountain City, WI; three granddaughters, Naomi Smith of Chippewa Falls, WI, Rebecca Smith of Tampa, FL, and Jessika Smith of Oak Creek, WI; four great grandchildren, Madison Carroll, Mason Oesau, Morgan Oesau and Myles Oesau, all of Chippewa Falls, WI; sister-in-law, Bonnie Guenther of Bettendorf, IA; and a host of many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Vera Gores, Margaret (Lyle) Knospe, Doris Korte; brothers, Delmer Fetting, and Wilbert (Elaine) Fetting; and nephew, Curtis Knospe. Talbot Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements in Cochrane, WI, at Christ Lutheran Church on Friday, October 15, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and the funeral service will start at 11a.m. A committal service and lunch will follow.