Darwin L. Brink

Darwin L. Brink, 97, of Bronson, IA, passed away surrounded by his family on June 15, 2026 at a local care center. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church in Lawton. A visitation will be Sunday from 4-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Floyd Township Cemetery near Bronson. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.

Darwin Lee, the son of Neal and Tena Brink, was born in LeMars, Iowa on January 27, 1929. He grew up on the farm where he developed his passion for horses. He graduated from high school in Merrill, IA in 1946. In 1948, Darwin enlisted in Company K, 133rd Infantry, LeMars Iowa, as a BAR rifleman. In 1950 he transferred to the 174th Fighter Squadron in Sioux City as an aircraft mechanic. He was activated to Dow Air Force Base, Bangor, Maine in 1951 during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in June 1952.

Darwin married Norma Jean Bliss on March 24, 1952, in Westfield, IA. They started farming near Merrill and continued to farm in Plymouth County until moving to a farm outside of Bronson in 1973. He was also a salesman for Moorman’s Feed and Archer Oil. Darwin bought his first team of draft horses in 1977 and farmed with horses until 2024 when he sold his last team at the age of 95.

Darwin was honored for many achievements throughout his lifetime. He was recognized for Outstanding Citizen in the Siouxland area; Plymouth County 4-H Alumni; inducted into the Plymouth Co. Fair Hall of Fame; and the IA Draft Horse Hall of Fame. He was also an Honorary Adjunct Professor of Rural Life through the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Darwin also served as a deacon, elder, and trustee at the Lawton Presbyterian Church, where he also taught Sunday School. Darwin loved the Lord, his family, and his horses!

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Norma of 64 years, a son-in-law Dennis Baldwin, and brother-in-law Cecil Lang. 

Darwin is survived by his children, Debra Baldwin of LeMars, Diane and Dick Keith of Reinbeck, Dawn Kinney of Sioux City, David and Rhonda Brink of Bronson; sister Carol Lang of LeMars and brother Bob Brink of Elk Point, SD. He has 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.