Darwin Norlien

Darwin Norlien, 68 of rural Kensington died Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, Minnesota.

A Memorial Service for Darwin will be at 1PM, Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Kensington Community Center, Kensington, MN. A meal will be served from 11-12:45 prior to the service.

Darwin Odell Norlien was born on June 6, 1953, in Alexandria, Minnesota, the son of Milton and Pearl (Moberg) Norlien.  He attended Kensington Elementary and High School.  After graduation in 1971, he attended Moorhead State for accounting.  He purchased the family farm and did crop farming and raised beef cattle.

In 1998, Charlotte and Darwin were married in Kensington at the Covenant Church.  Darwin enjoyed searching Craig’s List for implements and cars.  His favorite activity was attending auctions. He said he was on vacation then.  Darwin had a love/hate relationship with cats.  He raised kittens and tamed them for the nieces and nephews to play with.  He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and was always available to give them rides in the tractors or on four-wheelers.  He was thrilled to make each one feel special.

Darwin was also supportive of brother Laurel’s farming endeavors, fixing anything Laurel could break.   Darwin was a dedicated member of the Kensington Covenant Church and active board member of Pike Lake Cemetery.  Darwin was a kind and generous husband.  He loved searching for old sewing machines to surprise Charlotte with, as he knew this was her passion.

Darwin is survived by his wife, Charlotte Norlien of Kensington, brother, Laurel Norlien of Kensington, numerous nieces and nephews and a village of friends and relatives.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Pearl Norlien, and an infant sister, Dawn.

Darwin loved to help and fellowship with people.  Blessed be the memory of Darwin.

Burial in Pike Lake Cemetery.

Arrangements with Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Hoffman for Darwin Norlien.