Darwin J Stachnik, 74 lifelong resident of Maple City, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, October 12, 2014.

Darwin was born on March 12, 1940 to the late Lawrence and Margaret (Skellet) Stachnik in Maple City. He married Maxine Loretta LaValley on November 9, 1963.

Darwin graduated from Glen Lake in the Class of 1958. After schooling he started working for the Leelanau County Road Commission. He retired on November 1, 2002 after 39 years of dedicated service. Darwin also had a successful docking business with his original partner Eugene Bevelhymer and new co-owner Peter Sheffer.

In his spare time Darwin enjoyed playing euchre, shuffle boarding with his brother Bob, Tiger baseball, hunting, fishing, welding and tinkering in his garage. He and Maxine spent time during the winter months in Winter Haven, Florida enjoying the warm weather and great friendships.

Darwin was a wonderful, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His warm smile will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving Darwin is his wife Maxine of 50 years, children Randy (Julie Altman) Stachnik, Brenda Tomei; step-daughter, Lynn (David) Jackson; grandson, Logan Tomei; half-grandson, David Jackson; brother, Robert (Violet) Stachnik and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Darwin is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald G. and Opal (Vanhorn) Stachnik; granddaughter, Mareena Lyn Tomei, and nephew, Bobby Stachnik.

Visitation for Darwin will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 4-7 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11 am on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the American Breast Cancer Association or to the American Lung Association.