Service Information
Darian D. Litzau, age 56, of Lester Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
Funeral Service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026, 11:00 A.M., at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, with interment following in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M., and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Obituary
Darian Donald Litzau was born on October 11, 1969, in Glencoe, Minnesota, to Donald and Audrey (Reinke) Litzau. He grew up in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, where he developed the values and character that guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Lester Prairie High School in 1988, where he was known for his strong academics and dedication as a member of the wrestling and baseball teams. He later attended Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, Minnesota, earning a degree in Diesel Mechanics in 1990 as valedictorian.
Faith was a cherished part of Darian’s life. He was baptized on November 16, 1969, and was later confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie on April 15, 1984. His confirmation verse, 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NKJV), “For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s,” remained an important source of strength and guidance throughout his life. He faithfully served his church community in many leadership roles, including as trustee, elder, vice chairman, chairman, a member of the endowment committee, cemetery assistant, and for 35 years as a trumpet player for special services.
On March 23, 1991, he married the love of his life, Denise Ann Litzau (Paehlke), at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, recently celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary.
Following the untimely passing of his father, Donald, Darian became the proud owner and operator of the family business, Litzau Excavating. He carried on the family legacy with dedication, pride, and an unmatched work ethic, keeping the business strong for many years. Other than spending time at the lake with his family, his favorite place was digging in the dirt, and there was no place he would rather be than behind the controls of his equipment, doing the work he loved. Some of Darian’s most cherished memories were those spent fishing with his own family, traditions, and moments that he lovingly carried on with his children and grandchildren, creating memories at the lake that will be treasured for generations. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors as an avid deer hunter, another passion that brought him peace and joy.
Darian is survived by his
loving wife, Denise;
children, Kristin (Christopher) Greenwald, Brittany Litzau (Special Friend, Jake Wall), Derek (Katie) Litzau, and Hannah (James) Stark;
grandchildren, Jayden, Ethan, and Blake Greenwald, Oliver Litzau, Shay Odegaard, RaeLynn, and Billie Stark;
mother, Audrey Litzau;
siblings, Darlene (Brett) Schmidt, Duane (Angela) Litzau, and Diane (Nina McDowell) Litzau;
mother-in-law, June Paehlke;
brother-in-law, Chad (Kristi) Paehlke;
work family, Greg, Trevor, and Jaret;
many cherished nieces and nephews.
Darian was preceded in death by his father, Donald Litzau (1992); father-in-law, Gerald Paehlke (2026); brother-in-law, Bruce Paehlke (1996); and his beloved granddaughter, Savannah Litzau (2020).
David & Becky Henning says
We our so very sorry for your family, we will keep y’all in our thoughts & prayers
KORIMACHEMEHL says
HI DENISE YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND FAMILY .KORI
Mary Mathews says
Sorry for your loss of Darian
Sympathy to the Family
Alice Schoon says
Dear Audrey and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of your son. I’m sorry I cannot be there for you. I do have 2 appts that day.
May our loving Father in heaven wrap HIS arms around you with peace and comfort. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Alice
Jason Casavant says
Sorry for your loss. Darian was a great wresting captain. His work ethic and integrity were an example for all of us. He always treated us younger wrestlers with respect. but also held us to high standards. He was a great role model and he will be missed. Rest in peace Litz.
JR~Susie Rolf says
He left us to soon..ONE Of THE GOOD GUYS!!..Simply the BEST!
Marjorie Hemmann says
Darin and his Dad did alot of great work for us on the farm. Sincere sympathies to your family
Loren and Bonnie Johnson says
Our deepest sympathy to the whole Litzau family. Darian was a great Christian brother and will be missed by many. May you find peace and strength in Jesus Christ our Savior as you learn how to live in this world without Darian until we will all be together again in our heavenly kingdom. He was a hard working man and did his job well!
Bill Metzger says
“I am the Resurrection and the life…” John 11:25.
Kelly Hayes says
Audrey, Darlene and the entire Litzau Family:
May you find peace in knowing that Darian is pain free in the arms of the Lord. My sincerest sympathies go out to you all.
Ron Rolf says
Audrey and Family. So sorry to hear this about Darien. Much too soon, like his Pa. My deepest condolences during this sad and difficult time. God bless Y’all.
Elaine Malchow says
Denise sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Dan Gueningsman says
Condolences to the Litzau Family; May Your Faith in God, Be Your Guide!!!
God Bless!!!
Dan Gueningsman
Paul Carpenter N0SUW says
Sympathy and condolences on your loss.
Amber Hennessey (Peterson) says
I am so sorry for your loss. He loved you all so big just like he loved his God. Hugs and prayers sent from afar. Gosh he loved you all and will be so excited to see you all again one day in heaven.
Colleen Mallinson says
I thought this name looked familiar. Denise, I so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Hugs and prayers being sent to you.
Heidi Stutelberg says
Hello Denise, Our condolences to you and your family.
Char and Bill Lidberg says
Prayers and blessings to all of Darian’s family.