Darwin Walker, born in 1936 in Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away on Oct. 20 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy in music, education, and adventure. Darwin’s love for music began early, with piano lessons from third through eighth grade and learning the trombone in fifth grade. This passion for music led him to a lifetime dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring young musicians.
In 1957, Darwin married Corrine Hagen, with whom he shared three children — Nancy, Tammy, and David. After working for Bell Telephone, he graduated in 1959 from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD. He then pursued higher education, earning his Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1968, followed by his doctorate in 1972. He began his teaching career with three years in Bristol, SD and three years in Mobridge, SD. He then accepted the Director of Bands at Northern State College (1965-1973) before taking on the role at South Dakota State University (1973-1995).
As Director of the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band, Darwin led performances at Minnesota Vikings halftime shows and proudly represented South Dakota in the 1981 Presidential Inaugural Parade. His love of teaching extended beyond the classroom through his founding of the Mid-West Ambassadors European Tour across five European Countries, where he gave hundreds of young musicians the opportunity to tour, perform, and grow in their love of music.
In 1974, Darwin married Marlenna Balsiger, and over the 50 years they were married, they shared a deep love of travel and adventure as well as music education. Together, they visited all 50 states in the US. Darwin furthered his spirit of exploration by obtaining a pilot’s license. His love for motorcycle and motorhome trips reflected his large personality and zest for life.
In 1989 he authored and published the text book, “Teaching Music — Managing a Successful Music Program”, with a second edition published in 1998. This book was adopted as a required music methods textbook by numerous major Universities in the United States.
Darwin’s dedication to music education earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the South Dakota Bandmasters Association (SDBA) Hall of Fame and the SDHSAA Distinguished Service Award. He was a member of the Brookings Optimist Club and organized the first Optimist Marching Band Festival inspiring many young musicians for over 25 years. He served as an All-State Band Judge for 19 years and was a beloved mentor who left a lasting impact on the lives of his students.
Darwin will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many students whose lives he enriched. His legacy lives on in the music he loved, the memories he created, and the lives he touched.
Darwin is survived his wife of 50 years: Marlenna; Children: Nancy (Larry) Heiser, Tammy (Kurt) Waters, David (Silke Probst) Walker; Grandchildren: Jeremiah (Sarah) Heiser, Meagan (Josh) Krogh, Alese (Josh Eppinett) Waters, Gabrielle (Pat Pedraja) Waters, Maddie (Brandon Velaquez) Waters, Bryn (Sam) Johnston, Greatgrandchildren: Jonah and Charlotte Heiser, Krash, Karvey, and Kal Krogh, Bo Johnston.
His “Celebration of Life” Service will be held Saturday April 26, at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Brookings SD.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association or “Walker-Balsiger Memorial Music Scholarship”, SDSU Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com.
