Darwin R. Paddock

Darwin Ray Paddock, age 75 of Sabula, Iowa, died suddenly on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 14, 2017 at Calvary Lutheran Church, Sabula. Burial will take place in Miles Cemetery in Miles, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Calvary Lutheran Church, Sabula. Memorials may be given to Camp Courageous in Darwin’s memory.

Darwin was born at home on December 6, 1941, the son of Marvin Ray and Apama Louise (Mangler) Paddock in Sabula. He attended Sabula High School and graduated with the Class of 1960. Darwin married Doris Mae Andresen on June 24, 1961 in Sabula. After 28 years of marriage, Doris passed to the Lord on August 31, 1989. They had four children, Laurie (Peter) Soppe of Savanna, Michelle (Craig Smith) Rittmer of Sabula, Patti (Brent) Handel of Urbandale, Iowa, and Michael (Heather) Paddock of Monticello, Iowa. Darwin later married Joan (Kness) Knodle on December 3, 2003 in Sabula, Iowa. Joan has four children, Wesley (Kathy) Knodle of Rockford, Illinois, Emily (Vince Swanson) Landherr of St. Louis, Missouri, Dennis (Michelle) Knodle of Oregon, Illinois, and Paul (Joni Long) Knodle of Rockford; combined they have 19 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Darwin was preceded in death by his and Doris’ three infant children, Paula, Jeffery, and Kelly, his parents, and one grandson, Cameron John Paddock.

After graduation, Darwin worked for the Milwaukee Railroad and later the Soo Line Railroad for a total of 41 years, until retiring in 2001. During his career, Darwin also served as the Secretary for the United Transportation Union for twenty-five years.

Darwin was a loving and devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and friend. He was a jokester, but was always there to lend a hand. Darwin and Joan traveled all across the United States in their Class A Motorhome. They loved traveling to visit with their family and friends; especially their grandchildren. They did their best to annually attend at least one sporting or school event for every grandchild. He was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He also served on the Sabula city council for eight years. Darwin was devoted to his community and always wanted what was best for Sabula.