Darwin Husby died very unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Sioux Falls, SD on Sunday, May 3. He was 73 years old.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 am Friday, May 8, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 909 W. 33rd Street, Sioux Falls, SD with a 2:00 pm graveside at West Sinai Cemetery, Sinai, SD.

Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, May 7 from 5-7 pm at Miller Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. Darwin's family will be present to greet friends and extended family.

Darwin Eugene Husby was born on February 4, 1953 in Volga, SD to Harold and Avis (Hillestad) Husby. He attended country school at Oslo District # 95 and the Sioux Valley School District for grades 6-12, graduating from high school in 1971 as an enthusiastic Sioux Valley Cossack. That same enthusiasm traveled with him to Augustana College and he continued to be a proud Viking until his death. He had already purchased his Augie Booster tickets for sporting events for the upcoming year!

Graduating from Augie in 1975 with a BA in Education, Darwin began his teaching career in an elementary classroom in Rock Valley, Iowa. After several years there, he moved back to the Volga area, living on the Hillestad homestead farm and taught upper elementary and middle school in the Sioux Valley district. He enjoyed his teaching years and was able to also lend his musical and drama gifts to the high school students, directing plays and musicals.

God gave Darwin the gift of a beautiful voice. Singing with his siblings was a big part of Husby family life, with his mother singing and playing the piano. The Husby family never became the Osmonds or the Lennon Sisters, but developed a love for music and sharing it with others. By the time Darwin started high school, he not only was a part of Sinai Lutheran's choir, but also started being featured in solo work. He was well-known in the local community for his rich baritone voice. He brought that same talent to the Augustana choir and loved his college tour to the West Coast. Music, especially sacred and gospel music, was Darwin's gift to others until his passing. He sang in local musicals, for weddings, funerals, family reunions. In retirement he was busy singing at nursing homes, starting with sharing his voice at his parent's retirement home. He also joined the Mandskor men's singing group in Sioux Falls. He recorded a CD of some of his favorite hymns that will be played at his visitation and during lunch after the funeral service.

Family was a cornerstone in his life. He served as the linchpin holding us together. He was known in our family for his fun 4th of July barbecue and fireworks at his farm. He could also be counted on to lead the Doxology prayer before family reunion meals and holiday dinners. Service to others was a big part of his life. After many years being present for his parents, he extended that gift to help another older person, Victor, through the Lutheran Social Services Better Together program, providing companionship and fellowship. His influence extended to his six nieces and nephews and his grandnieces and nephews, attending many soccer games, baseball, band, chorus concerts, and plays. His steady love and constant presence as an honorary grandparent will be greatly missed.

Grateful for having shared his life are siblings Lynn (Carol) Husby, Bonnie (Dave) Kiesow, and Allan (Linda) Husby, all of Sioux Falls. His nieces and nephews include, Steven Husby, Christopher Husby, Greg Kiesow-Knudsen, Lori Anderson, and Beth Arens, his cherished grandnieces and grandnephews, aunt Donna Erstad, and many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his niece, Annie Kiesow Boehrns.

Memorials may be directed to Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, Our Savior's Lutheran Choir, and the Augustana Alumni Fund.