ALLISON, IOWA — Darwin Henry Wubbena, 89, of Allison, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at Waverly Health Center.
Darwin was born February 14, 1937, in rural Butler County, the son of Henry and Helen Rector Wubbena. He graduated from Bristow High School in 1955 and remained closely connected to the Northern Iowa communities that shaped his life.
On July 27, 1957, Darwin married Norma Endelman at the St. James Lutheran Church parsonage in Allison. The couple welcomed four children and built a life centered on family, faith and their community.
According to his obituary, Darwin worked for Brandt Elevators before joining the Butler County Roads Department, where he remained until his retirement.
Darwin was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Away from work, he enjoyed pony chariot races, automobile racing and NASCAR. He also appreciated simply going for a drive, with trips to Clarksville holding a special place among his favorite outings.
Family remained one of Darwin’s greatest joys. He is survived by his children, Tom and Suzanne Wubbena, Debra and Dana Uhlenhopp, David and Kim Wubbena, and Lisa and Brad Beadle.
His surviving grandchildren are Matthew and Amy Wubbena, Melissa Wubbena, Marcus and Brooke Uhlenhopp, Indy and Joel Gilson, Amber and Jeremy Hansen, Michael and Emily Wubbena, Brooke and Ben Kain, Laney Beadle and Michael Biermann, and Brock and Alexis Beadle. Darwin also leaves 20 great-grandchildren; his sister, Myrna Prange; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his parents; brother Duane; and great-grandson Warren Frederick Kain.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 27, at St. James Lutheran Church, 421 North Main Street in Allison.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. The service will take place on what would have been Darwin and Norma’s 69th wedding anniversary.
Burial will follow at Allison Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Darwin’s family for charities he enjoyed.
Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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