Darwin Billie Kobs

Darwin B. Kobs, 89, passed away on April 22, 2025. He was born on February 3, 1936, in Appleton, the son of William and Anna (Wegner) Kobs. Darwin was married to Aurelia Brusso, and three children came from that union, Diana Lee, Dana Rae, an Daniel Alan. He later married Clara Snider on August 26, 1975, and he became an awesome father to 6 additional children. Dar was a musician from a young age, enjoying singing and playing guitar with his band.

In 1957, Dar started out as an employee of Valley Fire Protection working on the truck servicing industry and business throughout the Fox Valley, and finishing his career with the company in 1984 as President and General Manager. Dar taught the Fire Science Program at the Technical College, until he accepted a position with Ansul Fire Protection Inc in 1984 and moved to DFW Texas in 1985 with his wife and daughter Beverly. He held the position of District Sales and Marketing Manager in over 10 states in the southern region. He was instrumental in the success of the Fire Brigade training of Fox Valley Technical College.

Dar and his wife Clara attended Walk on the Water Faith Church, while in Missouri. He served as Deacon and Usher in the church. In 2001, Dar and Clara returned to Wisconsin to be closer to their children. A home bible study led to the founding of Anointing Oil Faith Church in 2009, pastored by Dar. Dar was a member of Twin City Safety Council, serving a term as treasurer, and as president for a year. He was also a member of the Fox Valley Personnel Association, completed Dale Carnegie course, Toastmasters course, and courses at the UW Extension in Menasha. Dar attended and conducted various Fire and Safety Training Seminars throughout the Fox Valley, taught in the Fire Science programs at UW Fox Valley Technical College, pre-engineered systems to Firefighters and Industry at Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, and was a member of the International Convention of Faith Ministries.

Darwin is survived by his wife: Clara; children: Tim Snider, Tony Snider, Dana (Fred) Babino, Barbara (Emmet) Doughty, Teddy Snider, Dan (Vivian) Kobs, Becky (Ron) Hastings, and Beverly Snider; 15 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Dar was preceded in death by his parents; step-father:: Albert Kobs; daughter: Diana Lee Kobs; siblings: Gilbert Kobs, Lloyd Kobs, Marvel Kobs, Ethelyn Horn, and Genevieve Hermes.

A memorial service for Dar will be held at 2PM, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St., Menasha. Visitation will be on Wednesday at the chapel from Noon until the time of the service. Inurnment will take place at St. Paul Cemetery, Fremont.

Dar’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for the outpouring of love they have received upon his passing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.