Darwin D. Kanz, 85, of Kiel, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2023 at LakeHouse Sheboygan Senior Living.  Darwin was born August 28, 1937, in Bonduel, to the late Alden and Harriet (Barteck) Kanz.  He graduated from Kiel High School in 1955.  Darwin proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Essex aircraft carrier from 1955 until 1958.  On February 27, 1960, he married the former Elvira Mathes at St. Peter's United Church of Christ.  She preceded him in death on October 30, 2014.

Darwin was an active  member at St. Peter's UCC, serving on the consistory for 16 years in many office, search committees and was a long time usher. He was a Sunday School president and served as a teacher.  He was also a member and former president of the Kiel Chapter of the Jaycees, helping to revive the Kiel picnic and build the Hingiss Park footbridge. Darwin loved  playing poker with his buddies for over 50 years and cribbage with his family. Darwin was known for his sense of humor and sometimes off-color jokes.  He also enjoyed deer hunting, casino trips and scratch off lottery tickets. In his retirement he drove for the Kiel Senior Citizens and delivered meals on wheels. He was proud to attend his grandchildren's sporting events and enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Darwin spent his entire career selling food to retail stores and restaurants.  He made many long and lasting friendships on his routes.

Darwin is survived by his children, Mark (Lisa) Kanz, Luxemburg, David (Brenda) Kanz, Sheboygan; Kathy  (Tom) Jones, Godfrey, IL; his grandchildren, Jana (Rev. Tim) Chase, Truman, MN, Joshua (KaLia)  Koren, Howards Grove, Jessica (Dylan) Usadel, Sheboygan, Jacob Kanz, Kiel, Chelsea (David) Hammock, Oak Lawn IL, Evan (Alaina) Kanz Chicago, IL and Spencer Kanz, Luxemburg; his great-grandchildren, Norah, Maggie, Aaron,  Annabelle, Marta and Benjamin Chase, Connor and Shinji Chang, Gracelyn Koren, Sadie, Jaylie and Kylie Usadel, Ivey Hammock;  his brothers, Dennis (Nedra) Kanz, Kenneth (Ruth) Kanz, Harold (Helen) Kanz, his sisters, Barbara (Gary) Genske and Cheryl (Paul) Stranberg; his sisters-in-law: Carol Kanz, Elaine Brill (Vern Malchow), Clara Mathes  and his brothers-in-law, Jack (Jean) Kohls, Will (Lora) Mathes along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife, Elvira and his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Darlene Kohls and brother, John Kanz.

Funeral services for Darwin will be held on Friday August 25, 2023 at 11:00 am  at St. Peter's United Church of Christ (424 Fremont Street, Kiel) with Rev. Nicole Herda officiating.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt-DeTroye Funeral Home (815 6th St Kiel) .  Visitation will continue on Friday  at the church from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. There will be no viewing prior to the services on Friday, only greeting the family. Viewing will take place at the funeral home on Thursday.  Interment will be in the Schleswig Cemetery, Rockville.