Darwin Uhlenhopp
June 26, 1950 - October 14, 2017
From: Nevada, IA
Darwin K. Uhlenhopp, age 67, of Nevada, died Saturday, October 14, 2017, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.
Funeral services will be held at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at the Josephine Tope Auditorium, 1001 15th Street, Nevada, with Pastor John Molacek officiating. Burial will be in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery with flag presentation by William F. Ball Post No. 48 of the American Legion. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Central Presbyterian Church, 932 5th Street, in Nevada.
Born June 26, 1950, in Aplington, Iowa, Darwin K. Uhlenhopp was the son of Elvin and Phyllis (DeBuhr) Uhlenhopp. He graduated from Aplington High School in 1968, then earned his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
Darwin began teaching in Nevada and met Mary Allyn Shirbroun, a fellow teacher. The couple was united in marriage on June 10, 1978, in Coon Rapids, and settled in Nevada. They were blessed with three children, Nick, Pam, and Brigietta.
Darwin taught eighth grade math and also coached in various capacities and at every age level for the Nevada Community School district for many years. He genuinely loved kids and even though his style was rough and tough, his caring heart shone through to touch and inspire countless lives throughout his career. His fun-loving nature, passionate temperament, and goofy antics, including “slapboxing” with his students, left a lasting legacy.
In recent years he enjoyed transporting special needs students to the Woodward Resource Center. Darwin was also active in the community, serving at Central Presbyterian Church and in Kiwanis. He will be remembered as a wonderful father and an exceptional “Papa” to his four beautiful granddaughters.
Survivors include three children, Nick (Andrea) Uhlenhopp of Bowling Green, KY, Pam (David) Karkosh of Reinbeck, and Brigietta Uhlenhopp of Nevada; his mother, Phyllis Uhlenhopp of Aplington; four granddaughters, Hayden and Audrey Karkosh, and Laney and Landry Uhlenhopp; three brothers, Denton (Deb) Uhlenhopp of Aplington, Darrow (Helene) Uhlenhopp, of McCallsburg, and Dalen (Diane) Uhlenhopp of Madrid; a sister, Denise (Bruce) Foth of Livermore; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and by his wife, Mary.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Darwin and his family. Condolences in his memory may be directed to the Nevada Booster Club or to My Angel Foundation, P.O. Box 1223, Waukee, IA 50263.
Condolences
Monday, February 19, 2018 at 11:24 AM
“I would like to just say that I am very sorry to hear that Darwin passed away.”
- Helle Aarma
Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 9:47 AM
“We have only happy memories of being an Aplington Panther along side Darwin. May your memories be a comfort to you now. ”
- Dave and Melinda Muller
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 10:45 AM
“My condolences to the Uhlenhopp family for their lost . ”
- Rene' L Torres
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 12:03 PM
“We are sending our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. Great. Memories were made with the Uhlenhop family as our kids grew up together in Nevada. True friendships last forever. Your home was a home for lots of kids with the doors always open. Thanks for the memories.”
- Mark and Julie Carlton
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 12:03 PM
“Nick, Pam, and Brigietta,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We hope you find comfort knowing your dad is now walking in the warmth of heaven's light with your mom. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.
God bless,
Rob & Tara Wilkie”
- Tara Wilkie
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 7:00 AM
“Nick, Pam, and Brigietta, we were so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was always so caring and fun to talk to. We are thinking of you and praying that all the love and condolences will remind you of all those whose lives he has touched. Prayers and hug.
”
- Terri Heck
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 7:00 AM
“I just learned of this news tonight. (Monday) This saddens my heart. Brigetta, I hope you know how much both of your parents meant to me as a young coach. They were always there to help me! When I think of Nevada softball I think of them. I am sorry for your loss! You were very close to him. ”
- Terri Heisterkamp
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 7:00 AM
“He was one of the best teachers and coaches I ever had. I’m grateful for his spirit and obvious love of teaching. Thank you, Mr Uhlenhopp. RIP. ”
- Matt Eggers
Monday, October 16, 2017 at 1:53 PM
“I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Uhlenhopp was a wonderful Math teacher and a fun loving coach and friend. Can't express enough how he touched my life and my kids! He will be missed. Mom Mary too!”
- Jolene Stouwie
Monday, October 16, 2017 at 11:13 AM
“Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family at this sad time. Remember the good times to help get you thru the bad times.”
- carol a lenning
Monday, October 16, 2017 at 9:52 AM
“Sending my deepest sympathies and all my prayers. Mr. Uhlenhopp helped make Nevada community school district one of the greatest. ”
- Jessica Jones Wolfswinkel
Monday, October 16, 2017 at 9:51 AM
“Growing up, he was one of the happiest teachers i had the pleasure of dealing with. He was an inspration for many souls.”
- Joshua Bonham
Monday, October 16, 2017 at 9:51 AM
“Nick, Pam and Brigietta,
I have wonderful memories of teaching next door to Darwin at Nevada Middle School. He was both a mentor and a friend and helped me learn the ropes of middle school life. I'm so glad we were able to reconnect in the past few months. Your parents were both wonderful teachers who gave so much to the students...they were excellent role models for all of us. My sympathies to you and your family, on the loss of your father and grandfather. He will be with you in spirit. You are in my prayers.”
- Nancy Rasmusson
Monday, October 16, 2017 at 9:51 AM
“Mr. Uhlenhopp was my 8th grade math teacher and the first teacher I met when I moved here from Florida as a scared little 8th grader. He made me feel so welcome and excited to be here. I was so sad to hear of his passing. Blessings to his family and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.”
- Candace Poppe
Click Here If You Would Like To Leave Your Condolences
