Darwin Lee Zeinert, 84, of Tigerton, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Darwin was born Feb. 26, 1941, in Shawano County, the son of Harold and Agnes (Bernarde) Zeinert.
On June 30, 1962, Darwin was united in marriage to the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Krasin, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tigerton. She survives.
Darwin graduated with a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. For 28 years, he taught at Northcentral Technical College, where he inspired countless students and instilled in them a love for the land and farming through classroom and farm visits.
A passionate member of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Growers Association for 25 years, Darwin, along with his wife Betty, owned and operated Spring Brook Tree Farm. They found great joy in welcoming families to their farm each year, sharing the experience of selecting the perfect Christmas tree. Darwin was a true outdoorsman, with a deep love for gardening, hunting and fishing.
He cherished the time spent with his family and friends, particularly at their cabin on Roberts Lake, where laughter and memories were made year after year. Darwin also enjoyed traveling, with memorable trips to Canada, the West Coast and winters spent in Florida.
Darwin is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; five children, Phillip (Naomi) Zeinert, Bradley (Kari) Zeinert, Brent Zeinert, Tonya Slack and Eric (Amanda) Zeinert; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; siblings-in-law, Pat Zeinert, Dennis Trinko and Patsy Zeinert; family friend, Dianne Long; and many other relatives and friends.
Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Zachary Zeinert; son-in-law, Brad Slack; and siblings, DeLloyd Zeinert, Julaine (Clarence “Goobie”) Olson, Jerald (Lori) Zeinert, Larry (Bonnie) Zeinert, Sharon Trinko, Ricky (Patti) Zeinert and Rodney Zeinert.
A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. The Rev. Clifford Kessen will officiate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 2-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wittenberg-Birnamwood FFA or Bowler FFA. Memories and messages of support may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com.