Service Information
David F. Plath, age 92, husband of Delores, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2020, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Private Family Service will be held at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment in Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Obituary
David Frank Arthur Plath was born on January 31, 1928, in Lynn Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. He was the son of George and Emma (Schmidt) Plath. David was baptized as an infant on March 4, 1928, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 6, 1946, both at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. He received his education in Hutchinson, Minnesota and celebrated an honorary graduation coordinated by the American Legion on November 11, 1999, at Hutchinson High School.
David entered active military service in the United States Army on April 19, 1946 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He served during WWII including the post-war Occupation of Japan. He was honorably discharged at Fort Sheridan, Illinois on January 23, 1947 having achieved the rank of Private First Class. David was recalled to active duty on May 12, 1950 for service during the Korean War where he was wounded by shell fragments and received the Purple Heart among many other distinguished honors. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 1953, at Fort Custer, Michigan having achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. David also served 20 years in the Minnesota National Guard.
On December 14, 1947, David was united in marriage to Delores Krueger at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with five children, Michael, Keith, Kevin, Sharon, and Deanna. David and Delores resided in Hutchinson and shared 72 years of marriage.
David began working in the maintenance department at 3M in 1948 and was employed there for over 40 years, retiring in 1988.
David was a member of Charles McLaughlin Post 906 and American Legion Post 96 in Hutchinson, along with the Disabled American Veterans. He was also a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson and Cedar Mills Rod & Gun Club.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, softball, cutting wood, card playing, and old-time music along with dancing. David was happiest when he was spending time at the cabin with many family and friends. David also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. David won many horseshoe trophies and was excellent at playing beanbags. He was a very social person, leader, organizer, generous, humorous, kind, strong, hard worker, sportsman, and family man. David loved his family the most.
David began living at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson on March 16, 2020; he passed away there on Sunday, March 22, 2020, at the age of 92 years. Blessed be his memory.
David is survived by his:
Wife, Delores Plath, of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Michael Plath and his wife, Diane, of Hutchinson, MN,
Keith Plath and his wife, Bonnie, of Prior Lake, MN,
Kevin Plath and his wife, Barb, of North Mankato, MN,
Sharon Gruenhagen and her husband, Lee, of Hutchinson, MN,
Deanna Puchalski and her husband, Tim, of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren and Step-Grandchildren, Brian Plath and his wife, Amber, Ryan Plath and his wife, Michelle, Jeremy Miller, Eric Plath and his wife, Amy, Jeff Plath and his significant other, Missy Haefner, Dawn Plath and her significant other, Erik Edmunds, Angela Bacon and her husband, Nic, Aleesha Saul and her husband, Matt, Nick Puchalski and his wife, Keely, Andy Puchalski and his significant other, Rami Erickson;
Great-Grandchildren and Step-Great-Grandchildren, Bianca and Keira Plath, Anna and Jacob Miller, Veda, Ravi and Sitara Plath, Adelyn Edmunds, Alex and Isaac Leyk, Ben Bacon, Emma Saul;
Brother-in-law, William Krueger and his wife, Lois of Sun City West, AZ;
Sister-in-law, Marilyn Renbarger and her husband, Richard, of Fort Wayne, IN;
Many special nephews, nieces, and friends.
David is preceded in death by his Parents, George and Emma (Schmidt) Plath; Siblings, Edwin Plath (Lyla and Mae), Benhard Plath (Martha), Harlow Plath (Rosella, Elsie), Rueben Plath (Lida), Sophie Schroeder (Herman), Hugo Plath (Ella, Buena, and Florence), Delbert Plath (Leona and Naomi), George Plath (Ruby), Donald Plath (Adeline), Erna Schroeder (Ernest), Albin Plath (Dorothy), Rosella Kohls (Martin), Arnold Plath (Frances), Edna Klitzke (Louis); Father and Mother-in-law, William and Esther Krueger; Brothers-in-law, Lorenz Krueger and Ray Krueger; Sister-in-law, Viola Hardel (Robert).
Doug and Paula says
Our condolences to the entire Plath family. Dave fought a valiant fight and is now resting in the arms of our Savior. May our good Lord and the memories you share bring you comfort.
Cara de la Barra says
Sending our sympathy from Church st. My memories of seeing Mr Plath sitting in his garage watching the world go by. He was always the first to have his yard work done. ….immaculately. I would hear my mom say “mr. Plath did his yard so we must get ours done!” Many condolences to his entire family. – daughter of Judy Reid, former neighbor
Brenda Sturges says
It’s been an honor to get to know Dave. I’m certainly going to miss our talks we had in the middle of the street. What an awesome life this man had and I loved hearing the stories of my grandpa Klabunde and all the family he knew that I never met. Rest In Peace and my sympathy’s to the family.
Amy (Plath) Nelson says
I will always remember the stories my Dad would share from the hunting trips up north with Dave. All the fun times had, as well as Dave’s planning and efforts to carry on the many Plath picnics. Will cherish these memories forever. Much love and prayers to you all.
Tom Benson says
Dave was a good friend and coworker. He will be missed. My sympathy to the Plath family.
Darrel Schroeder. Mother Erna says
I don’t know where to start.I remember my uncle Dave ,Al bin and Delbert coming to the farm for phesent hunting I was in 4H and I raised 300 each year.I didn’t know my uncle’s liked to hunt and I was 12 I took them all over we got our limits it was one of the most enjoyable times with Dave, he was always joking with me and enjoyed the outdoors like I did!!
Harold Plath says
Dave was one of my favorite uncles. We had many great times together over the years. One of my favorite memories was a trip to the cabin with Dave, Al and Bill Polchow. I learned so much on that trip not all good stuff. I will miss Dave greatly. My sympathy to Dolores and the whole Dave Plath family.
Clem & Cheryl Suchy says
Dave was an all round good guy. He was a great coworker, friend & enjoyed playing ball with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Plath family. Clem & Cheryl Suchy
Keith Wagner says
When I started at 3M, Dave was the person I was with my first day. He told me what I had to do and left me to do my job. I came to him a couple hrs later and told him I was finished. He gave me that big smile and said ” You need to slow down. This is suppose to last all day”.
I only got to work with him a couple yrs before he left, but he was a guy that was always in a good mood and that shows what kind of a guy he was. He will be missed by many.
RIP Dave!!
You will Be missed!!
Beverly says
Keith, your Dad lived a long life. You have wonderful memories. Sorry for your loss. The worry is over.
Wishing you our deepest sympathy. Hopefully we can get together soon. Hugs!
Love
Roger and Beverly Stoufer
Linda says
Uncle Dave was a wonderfully kind man. Although visits with him were infrequent due to distance, my childhood memories include his many smiles and his sincere efforts to make us feel welcomed and at home. My heart felt condolences to Aunt Delores and all the family.
Sending love, Linda (Krueger) Williams
Barb Plath says
David was my Father-in-law. He was a gentle soul with a lot of love and respect for the people in his life. I shared in his humor on many occasions and wanted to see who got the best one on each other. I did. We love him and will always remember him. Love , Barb
God Bless.
Janet Menton says
The Mentons are so sorry for your loss at this time. We know of some of the fishing/hunting stories that Tyler told us when he was with Nick. What a special, special person to Nick and to Tyler.
Duane Plath says
Dave I will always remember the pheasant hunting with Delbert Albin the guys from cities. The kids were the chasers and dogs. What a great time. But memories are coming to visit Minnesota and going to play cards with THE uncles and see them and enjoy their Plath humor and spice thanks for memories Uncle Dave God bless
Tim Puchalski says
My wish as Dave’s son-in-law is that everyone have someone in their life that would give all they have unconditionally to you as Dave has to me. A great friend and Father-in-law for 40 plus years.