Darwin "Doc" Lee Kraenow

Darwin “Doc” Lee Kraenow, age 91, of Linn, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Gasconade Manor Nursing Home in Owensville.

He was born August 13, 1933, in Bland, a son to the late Alvin and Tillie (Hunke) Kraenow.

Darwin was a 1951 graduate of Linn High School. He was in the Army from 1953 to 1955 as a private with the 2nd Armored Division in Germany also known as “Hell on Wheels” during the Korean War.

On April 6, 1957, he was united in marriage to Esther Enke in Chamois. Esther preceded him in death on April 15, 2022.

He worked for Knollmeyer Motors as a tow truck driver and mechanic while pursuing his degree in education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

For 28 years, he was an auto mechanics instructor and later department chairman at Linn Technical College (now State Tech). He was nicknamed “Doc” by his students and friends because of his incredible knowledge of auto engines, especially the electrical system. After retirement, he was a college recruiter for several years.

He was a member of the Ryors-Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Chamois.

Darwin enjoyed hunting and fishing on his farm near Mt. Sterling. He liked playing pinochle with family and enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals play ball.

Darwin is survived by a daughter, Sharon (Bob) Komer of Fenton; a son, David (Rhonda) Kraenow of Linn; two grandchildren, Lisa (Shaun) Campbell and Brian Komer of Fenton; two great grandchildren, Alyssa and Aiden Campbell; step-grandchildren, Hanna and Kevin; a sister, Janice (Jim) Schnitzler of Monroe City, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Morton Chapel in Linn.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Ryors-Ebenezer United Church of Christ with Rev. Barbara Zastrow officiating. Interment will follow at the St. John’s Evangelical Cemetery at Old Woollam near Owensville.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Ryors-Ebenezer United Church of Christ.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)   www.mortonchapel.com