Darwin Nystrom

Darwin "Dagger" Doyle Nystrom was born January 4, 1939 in Des Moines, IA. After attending East High School, he joined the US Marines and spent his duty time at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. He was so proud of being a Marine that it helped shape his work ethic, his pride in country, and how he ran his household.

In 1960, he married the love of his life Shirley Barnes. They were married 48 years and had three children - Kelli, Melinda, and Rick. He ran a ship shape, tidy household but always made sure the family had fun. Some of the fondest memories were playing cards, dice, monopoly, water skiing on the river on hot summer days, spending hundreds of dollars each year to make sure they had the best fireworks display, sneaking his own popped popcorn in the theater and the kids into the drive-in by having them duck onto the floorboard of the car, "even though kids were admitted free", and getting into the game watching his favorite teams Chicago Cubs and Bears. He also loved to pull pranks like putting clothes pins on Shirley's fingers, then tickling her face with a feather. After Shirley passed away he planned family pizza night every Friday with his daughters and sons in laws. His love for life was clear in how he played and worked.

As a member of Teamsters Local 147, Darwin put in 34 dedicated years with H&W Motor Express. He set a great example for his children by always working hard. In his younger years he held up to three jobs at one time to be sure they had what they needed and wanted. Darwin made sure the children learned to work hard at an early age; he helped them earn their own money by assigning chores, washing trucks, working at the fair, or detassling corn. It is something they came to appreciate as they grew into hard working adults.

He instilled in them not only a strong work ethic, but also a sense of family closeness - one that transcended beyond their immediate family. Whether it was dogs, rabbits, or even roosters, Darwin always had room in his home. This also included friends of his children , like when he opened his house up to Rick's friend Ron Hall,... ... ... ..and he treated them all as if they were his own. He would give you the shirt off of his back and would help anyone with anything.

Darwin thoroughly enjoyed his time with his friends as well -playing cards, drinking some beers, hanging out with his friends at The Triangle, and reminiscing about the good old days. He was always one of the guys and they knew they could count on him in good times or time of need.

His generosity and steadfastness was reflected in everything he did. His presence will be greatly missed by his children, Kelli Csader and Melinda Toomey; his son's in law, Fred Csader and John Toomey; his grandchildren, Jeff Miller, Melinda Toomey, Janelle Brown, and Ricky Miller; his step grandchildren, Freddie and Jenny Csader; his great grandchildren, Elisha, Levi, Hannah, Sarah, and Kasen; four step great grandchildren; and other family and friends. We can feel in our hearts the happiness on your face as you reunite with Shirley and Rick.





Cemetery Details Highland Memory Gardens N W 14th Street

Des Moines, IA,