Darwin “Hugo” Muchow

Obituary

Darwin “Hugo” Steve Muchow was born on May 20, 1944, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Wilhart and Dorothy (Kujas) Muchow. Hugo was baptized as an infant on June 4, 1944, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mountville, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on June 15, 1958, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop. He was a 1962 graduate of Winthrop Public High School.

On August 1, 1963, Hugo enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served from 1963-1969. While in the Navy, he served on the USS Newport News, a heavy cruiser, which patrolled the Atlantic. After his retirement from the Navy, Hugo returned to Sibley County and worked for Del’s Constructions of Le Sueur for over 30 years as a brick mason.

On November 12, 1977, Hugo was united in marriage to Barbara (Turck) Zarnott at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Darwin, Minnesota. After their marriage, they resided in Gaylord, Minnesota, to raise their three children, Jeffrey, Joshua and Rebecca.

Hugo was an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop, Manthey-Asmus American Legion Post #433 in Gaylord, Winthrop VFW Post #4078, New Auburn VFW Post #7266, and the Sertoma Club in Gaylord.

Hugo was a social butterfly. He loved playing cards and visiting friends and family. Hugo enjoyed his garden, the planting, but not the weeding. The annual week at the lake with his immediate and extended family were often filled with fishing, cards, bean bag tournaments and lots of laughter. He also liked family reunions, including the one with his in-laws, the Turcks. Hugo and Barb regularly attended his ship’s reunions and met often with his Navy buddies all over the country. He adored all of his grandchildren.

Darwin is survived by his:
Wife,               Barb Muchow of Gaylord, MN;
Children,          Jeffrey Muchow of Litchfield, MN;
                        Joshua (Carrie) Muchow of Esko, MN, and
                        Rebecca Muchow of St. Louis Park, MN;
Grandchildren, Zachary, Alexis, Finn, Scout, Leighton, and Zoë;
Brothers, Dennis (Marcy) Muchow, Donovan (Terri) Muchow, and Dallas (Sue) Muchow;
Sisters, Diane (Bryan) Jacobson, Demetra (Scott) Redner, and Dawn (Chris) Nelson;
Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Gary (Kerry) Turck of Roy, UT, Carol (Randy) Werner of Litchfield, MN, and Jim (Lisa) Turck of Litchfield, MN;
Aunts, Iona Opitz, Lucille Dahlke, and Leone Kujas;
Many Nieces, Nephews, and his much loved cousins.

Darwin was preceded in death by his Parents, Wilhart and Dorothy Muchow; Infant Sister, Ruby; Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Phyllis and Lloyd Turck; Brother-in-law, Donald Turck.

Hugo was taken to Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, on February 23, 2020, and cared for by wonderful doctors and nurses. Despite all their efforts: His ship has sailed.