HAWARDEN — Darwin Lee Cobeen, 62, of Hawarden, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Heart Hospital in Minneapolis following post-operative complications.
A celebration of Darwin’s life will be announced by his family at a later date.
Darwin was born August 20, 1964, at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, the son of Darrell D. Cobeen.
He attended Clear Lake High School and later found a career that fit his independent spirit and love of travel — long-haul truck driving.
Darwin spent many years behind the wheel and developed an impressive knowledge of highways, truck stops and routes across the country. Family members recalled that he could seemingly tell someone where to find a Love’s Travel Stop almost anywhere and even knew which interstate exit to take.
For the final year of his life, Darwin worked for Den Hartog Inc.
He enjoyed being on the road and was always ready for the next trip, but even when he was home, Darwin was rarely one to sit still.
He enjoyed working with his hands and cutting firewood, and when he wasn’t driving a truck, he could often be found riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Darwin was also known as a talented cook, particularly when it came to grilling meals for family and friends.
Over the years, he became someone others could count on when they needed a hand. His family remembers him as a kind man who was willing to help people whenever he could.
Animals also held an important place in Darwin’s life.
He and his fiancée, Heather Wagers, shared their home with two dogs, Princess and Charlie, and two cats, Callie and Oliver.
Darwin is survived by his son, Eric Becker; parents, Darrell and Kathy; fiancée, Heather; siblings Roxane Murphy, David Cobeen, Darrell Scott Cobeen, Daniel Cobeen, Durwin Cobeen, Randell Robets, Rosemary Broshar and Rachel Diggins; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Rhonda Sunken, and niece, Heather Elliott.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake is caring for Darwin and his family. To view the funeral home’s complete tribute and future service information, please click here.
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