Service Information
Dolores A. Barlau, age 91, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, April 4, 2026, 11:00 A.M., at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Dolores Ann Barlau was born on April 9, 1934, at home in Meeker County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Paul and Emma (Holtz) Hoff. Dolores was baptized as an infant on May 6, 1934, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on March 30, 1947, both at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Acoma Township, rural Hutchinson. She received her education in Hutchinson, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1953.
On September 29, 1962, Dolores was united in marriage to David Barlau at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Darlyn. Dolores and David made their home in Hutchinson. They shared 30 years of marriage until David passed away on December 29, 1992.
Dolores was employed in production at 3M in Hutchinson. She retired on June 1, 1991. Dolores was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She was also a member of the Hutchinson American Legion Auxiliary #96, and volunteer at the Hutchinson Hospital.
Dolores enjoyed volunteer work, embroidery, dancing, baking, search words and reading. She especially cherished time spent with her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.
Dolores passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 91 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Dolores is survived by her:
Daughter, Darlyn Muetzel and her husband, James of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Joshua Muetzel and his wife, Stephanie of Hutchinson, MN,
Kyle Muetzel and his wife, Heather of Hutchinson, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Macen Olson, Mikael Muetzel, Carter Muetzel, Naleigh Muetzel, Mila Muetzel;
Sister-in-law, Betty Barlau of Minnetonka, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Dolores is preceded in death by her Parents, Paul and Emma Hoff; Husband, David Barlau; Siblings, Viola Hoff, Elmer (Irene) Hoff, Elfrieda (Martin) Koepp; Brothers-in-law, Calvin Barlau, Freland Barlau; Sisters-in-law, Darlene (Harry) Scheible, Esther Barlau; Parents-in-law, Hubert and Bertha Barlau.
Larry and Sue Gruenhagen says
Darlyn, James, Josh, and Kyle,
We are holding you all close in our hearts right now. Grandma Barlau was such a special lady—her warmth, kindness, and the way she made everyone feel welcome will always be remembered. We feel so lucky to have known her, and she will truly be missed.
Please know we’re here for you, whether you need anything at all or just someone to sit with.
With all our love,
Larry and Sue
James and Darlyn Muetzel says
Thank you Larry and Sue, she loved all your family as her own you all were a special part of her life and still are of course in ours! We can all tell many stories. She will always be a lady we won’t forget easily! Love you!
Cindy Karg says
With sincere sympathy to all Dolores Family. She was such a kind sweet lady. Dolores always took the time to say hello and visit a bit. She will be missed by many. Rest in Heavens arms!
James and Darlyn Muetzel says
Thank you Cindy! Your kind words are much appreciated.
James and Darlyn
Barb Schultze says
Sympathy to Delores’s family.
We knew each other thru my parents, and every time I saw her she would always say hi w her nice smile!RIP.
BARB JEFF CURT
James and Darlyn Muetzel says
Thank you Barb! She could always make anyone smile she surely had that in her!
Lois Beilke says
We so enjoyed Dolores when she subbed for the high school kitchen. She was a great worker.
Sending my sympathy.
James and Darlyn Muetzel says
Thanks Lois! The one thing she loved more then anything was staying busy and was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and help anywhere she could.
Karen Hoffmann says
Sending my sympathy to the family and friends of Delores.
She was a beautiful lady who was kind, fun, always smiling, and who had time to say Hi and talk awhile.
May she rest in peace! God Bless!
Karen Hoffmann
James and Darlyn Muetzel says
Thanks Karen, she surely had the gift to gab and could start a conversation with anyone!
James and Darlyn
Melissa Mueller says
To the family of Delores Barlau,
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers! She was a wonderful person and was always so kind to me! May the memories of your loved one carry you through today and the days that follow!
Sincerely,
Melissa(Missy) Mueller & Family