Darwin John Lochner

DARWIN JOHN LOCHNER, age 89, of Lakeville, MN, previously of Janesville, MN, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at his home.

Born on December 12, 1934 in Sleepy Eye, Darwin was the son of John and Emma (Weilage) Lochner. He attended Cobden Grade School, then Sleepy Eye High School where he graduated with the class of 1952. He continued his education at Mankato State Teachers College. In 1954, Darwin enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged after serving for a year. He returned to Mankato State and received a bachelor’s degree in education. He met his wife, Karen Mittelstadt, while playing love interests in the play “An Invitation to Breakfast” at MSU. They were married on June 1, 1958 in Fairmont. 

Darwin began his career as an English and Speech teacher in Mountain Lake, MN. During his time as a teacher, Darwin spent three summers at Colorado State College, earning his master’s degree in education administration. Darwin went on to become a high school principal then the superintendent in Elkton. In 1965, Darwin and Karen moved to Janesville where he was superintendent until his retirement in 1991. 

When Darwin wasn’t supporting the students of Janesville through attending every school activity, he enjoyed contributing to the community and spending time with his family. He was part of many organizations throughout his life: Janesville Rotary Club, Janesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Janesville Development Corporation, Janesville Star Cities Commission, Janesville Building Corporation, Janesville Area Golf Association, MN and American Association of School Administrators. He was an active and dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Following his retirement, he spent much of his time golfing, at grandkids’ activities, woodworking, working on puzzles, watching Twins games, and being the family handyman. 

Darwin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Karen; children, Alan (Jan) Lochner of Spring Grove, Gary (Beth) Lochner of Eagan, Cheryl (Doug) Lochner-Wright of Eau Claire, WI, Nancy (Chris) Howard of Farmington, Susan (Shaun) Atkinson of Lodi, WI; and nine grandchildren, Alyssa, Kevin, Rachel, and Sarah Lochner, Ben and Lucas Lochner-Wright, Emma and Sam Howard, and Leah Atkinson.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Lochner; father, John Lochner; step-mother, Lula Lochner; brother, Myron Lochner; and sister, Arlene Schinkel.

Visitation for Darwin will be held from 2-6 PM on Sunday, October 27, 2024 in the Discipling Center at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. 

Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. A private interment for family will follow at Janesville Cemetery and a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Darwin and Karen Lochner Scholarship at JWP High School.