Service Information
Everett G. Hantge, age 90, husband of Katherine, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be Thursday, August 21, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Minnesota, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Military Honors by Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Memorials preferred.
Funeral Service will be livestreamed via https://www.youtube.com/@firstevangelicallutheranli633/streams
Obituary
Everett George Hantge was born on January 5, 1935, in Penn Township, rural Brownton, Minnesota. He was the son of George and Selda (Kloempken) Hantge. Everett was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Penn Township, rural Brownton. He received his education at country school District #64 in Penn Township and later graduated from the Brownton High School with the class of 1952. Everett furthered his education at Moorhead State University in Moorhead, Minnesota, and the Minnesota Military Academy. He later transferred to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science in 1963.
Everett entered military service in the United States National Guard on November 16, 1956, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the Commander of the Minnesota National Guard Unit in Hutchinson, and served thirteen years in the unit, including one year of active duty. He received an Honorable Discharge on April 10, 1967, in Hutchinson, and achieved the rank of Captain.
On August 4, 1962, Everett was united in marriage to Maureen Behmler at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mound, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Robert and Richard. Everett and Maureen resided in Golden Valley on Turners Crossroad where he built a unique tree house on telephone poles. They moved to Hutchinson in 1973. In 1978, they bought and rebuilt a cabin on Lake Marion’s Bungalow Point. Everett built an elevated deck over the water and called it a crow’s nest. The family made a camping trip to the Black Hills and Yellowstone in a 1960’s VW bug when the boys were small and later several trips to Harlingen, TX & Padre Island. Everett and Maureen took several trips with the State & National Funeral Directors Associations.
Everett became a licensed funeral director in 1963. Following his licensure, he was employed at Albin Chapel and later Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels in Minneapolis as a funeral director before coming to Hutchinson. In 1973, Everett and Maureen established Hantge Funeral Chapels in Hutchinson and Brownton. In 1978, they purchased the Dobratz Chapel in Hutchinson, and over the years, with sons and staff, expanded to neighboring communities.
Everett was united in marriage to Katherine “Kathy” (Christensen) Schulte, on May 5, 1996, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Litchfield. They resided in Litchfield, Darwin (Lake Washington), and recently Hutchinson.
Everett and Kathy enjoyed trips to Florida, Montana, South Dakota and many other states. Best of all was going twice yearly to Branson, Missouri with friends and family. Everett and Kathy enjoyed providing and caring for their foster daughter, Luna for three and a half years.
Throughout the years, Everett was very active in his community serving on many boards and committees. Everett was currently a member of First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was also a member of the Hutchinson American Legion Post 96, Brownton American Legion Post 143. He was a former member of Hutchinson Ambassadors and Hutchinson Kiwanis, former chairman of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, former chairman of United Way Program, former president of the Chamber of Commerce, past master of Guardian Lodge (Masonic) Brownton, past Noble Grand of Hassan Valley Lodge (I00F) Hutchinson, former president of the McLeod County Historical Society during construction of the Heritage Center, former president of Hutchinson Community Hospital Foundation, and former president of Burns Manor Memorial Committee. He also served 13 years on the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Board, serving as president in 1991 and 1992. Everett was honored by the Hutchinson Jaycees as Mr. Hutchinson in 2013.
Everett enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sports events, golfing, and motorcycling in his younger years. He also enjoyed meeting up almost daily with his card group for social hour and coffee. Everett had a special knack for writing poetry and even had several poems published. Everett not only survived Guillain Barré Syndrome four times, which left him completely paralyzed and on a respirator, but also COVID-19 in his late 80s. He loved telling jokes, dressing up in Halloween costumes and shaking dice, especially liars dice. Everett especially cherished time spent with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.
Everett passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 90 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Everett is survived by his:
Wife, Katherine Hantge of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Robert Hantge and his wife, Christie of Hutchinson, MN,
Richard Hantge and his wife, Wendy of Hutchinson, MN;
Step-son, Keith Schulte and his significant other, Brandy of Litchfield, MN;
Foster Daughter, Luna Lind-Behrends;
Grandchildren, Nicolas (Carrie) Hantge, Andrew (Leah) Hantge, Michael (Emily) Hantge, Gavin (Emily) Hantge, Jay Hantge, Jack Hantge;
Step-grandchildren, Jordan, Kenny, Hunter;
Great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Henry, Max, and expected great-grandson in December;
Siblings, Norene Schuette of Glencoe, MN,
Eldon Hantge and his wife, Marilyn of Glencoe, MN,
Lea Ette Peters of Brownton, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Bobbi Hantge of Hutchinson, MN,
Ardys Euerle of Dassel, MN;
Brothers-in-law, Larry “Porky” Buske and his wife, Pat of Green Valley, AZ,
Kenneth Christensen and his wife, Pam of Paynesville, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Everett is preceded in death by his Parents, George and Selda Hantge; Siblings, Jean (Myron) Hoof, Don Hantge, Rhonda Buske; Brothers-in-law, Dale Peters, Duane Schuette.
Judy Sladek says
Bob and I are so sorry to see this obituary. Ev’s been a friend for a long time..
Sympathy to His Family!
Don Bartels says
I always enjoyed seeing Ev in person. He had such a great positive attitude and when he and my cousin Jerry Bartels got together, it was hilarious story telling time.
I extend my sympathy to his family.
Cindy Karg says
With heartfelt condolences to Kathy, Robert, Rich and all the families. Everett was the first person I worked with at the chapel. He taught me so much about life and dealing with death. He was so kind and compassionate and had such a special way with people. He was a wonderful leader in this community in so many ways and I’m grateful and blessed to have learned from the best! He will be truly missed! Many prayers to you all.
Sherry McCormick says
Deepest sympathy to the Hantge family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherry McCormick and Family
Pat Buske says
Porky and I send our love and prayers to all of you. Ev was a good man and a wonderful friend
God’s peace, grace, and blessings.
Porky and Pat Buske
Janice Heintz says
I am sad to hear about Everett. He was so kind to us that needed special placement at funerals. I will miss him driving through the neighborhood on his way to work.
Steve and Janet Meier says
God got a good one today. Sincere condolences to your entire family.
DeEtta Nelson says
A true gentle man and gentleman
Patty Marconcini says
Kathy and family….Sorry to hear of the loss of Everett…will keep you in my thoughts
Vange Anderson says
Kathy and family; My prayers are with you & yours in the days ahead. Everett was such a gentleman and very nice to visit with.
SANDY WRIGHT says
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE HANTGE FAMILY. MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT EVERETT IS WITH HIS LORD AND SAVIOR.
Diane Christensen says
Sympathy to Kathy and Everett family’s may he rest in peace.
John & Cindy Mons says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hantge Family during this very difficult time. We had many fun times over the years and many interesting conversations. We both had (and still do) fond memories of a bus trip to Nashville that will never be forgotten!!!! Peace be with you.
John & Cindy Mons
Kathy Berghuis says
Sympathies to Everett’s family. He was such a nice man. Always enjoyed stopping to chat with him. He was a very nice caring man and you could see that carried over to his sons. He will be missed.
Jon Johnson says
Great memories of Everett from my time serving on the board of the MFDA. His calmness, wisdom, passion and commitment to excellence was admired by those of us in funeral service.
Arla Huser says
Kathy and family. So sorry to hear of Everett’s passing. He was a special man! Sympathy to you all at this sad time!
Dave and Arla Huser
Colin Zeman says
Rob, Rich and family, Everett was a first class gentleman and I am proud and a better man for knowing him. We wish peace to you all!
Donna Benson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I hope your memories bring you comfort as you try to navigate a life without Everett by your side. May you find peace knowing and feeling his presence in your heart will remain for a lifetime.
Karen Hoffmann says
Kathy and family, Sending my sympathy and keeping you and his family in my prayers. May God bless all of you and his memory.
Karen Hoffmann
Tim and Dawn Halverson says
Our deepest sympathies to the Hantge families.
Keeping you in our prayers at this difficult time.
Gloria Janicke says
My Sympathy to the Hantge family!
You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Gloria Janicke
Mike and Lori Buske says
Thank you, Everett, for your kind and compassionate service to the citizens of Hutchinson and the surrounding area. I imagine just about everyone in this area has had a family or friend assisted by Everett. You touched so many lives personally and professionally with your grace, dignity, honor, warmth, friendship and humor.
Robert, Richard, the entire Hantge family and organization, I hope you feel the strength and support of so many people you have directly helped for so many years. You have always been there for us in our time of need. The hearts of an entire community are here for you now.
Everett, many Angels in Heaven will be there to greet you for your directly helping them at their time in need.
A life well lived, dear Everett. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Our deepest condolences and eternal thanks.
Mike and Lori Buske
John and Shirley Lekander says
Kathy and Hantge families, Our sympathy to you. We are so sorry that we won’t be able to be with you on Thursday.
Pat, chuck Schmidt says
You have my sympathy thoughts and prayers are with your family !
Pat, chuck Schmidt says
You have my sympathy thoughts and prayers are with your family !
Lori and Brian Kaping says
We are saddened by your loss. Everette was a wonderful Man. Cherish your many memories
Lynn (Dahlke) Mohr says
Everett will be missed. A kind and helpful man. He helped our family through many times of sadness and always handled all the details with care and thoughtfulness. He was always a person of high regard in the Brownton community and will always be remembered by all.
Mike McGraw says
May all of Everett’s family feel God’s healing presence at this most difficult time. You’ve been there for countless families over the years, may we be here for you now. Blessed be his memory.
Mike & Karla McGraw
Fr. Jerry Meidl says
My Deepest Sympathy and Prayers
to the Dobratz Hantge funeral home staff and mortuary community
Sincerely Fr. Jerry Meidl
Linda (Froemming) Muennich says
I am writing this on behalf of my mom, Kathryn Froemming. I shared with her today of Everett’s passing and she was saddened to hear the news. Robert, your dad and Kathy, your husband was a very special person in the life of my parents. Everett shared a birthday with my mom and many birthday dinners were enjoyed together as couples. Kathy you worked at 3M with my dad, so there was also a double connection with the four of you! My mom understands the loss of a husband and I understand the loss of a father! Our hearts hurt for your whole family as you grieve his death! My mom sends her deepest condolences to the entire Hantge family. Fred and I, also would like to express our deepest sympathies on behalf of the Walter Froemming family! Thought and prayers to you all!
Marjorie Hemmann says
My sympathies to the Hantge family. Everett was always friendly with a smile. He was Gary’s Captain in National Guard.
Shelly says
Robert and Family. My Sympathy in the passing of your Father, Husband, Grandpa. Praying for you all.
All of us at Totally U says
Deepest sympathy to the Hantge family. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Rachel and Roger Stearns says
Condolences to the Hantge family.
Rachel and Roger Stearns says
Our condolences to the Hantge families.
Kristin Briggs says
To the Hantge family,
I did not know Everett that well, but when I was younger and sang at funerals, I would be in the area where he would be talking to people. It was obvious, he had a special way of listening to people, really hearing them and feeling their grief. That’s a lot to take on.
I always admired that about him. He was a man who truly found his purpose and was so good at it. He always made sure he was available for everyone and would answer any questions and always seem to know the answers. I could see what was happening from a distance.
When you lose a loved one, you’re grieving, so you’re kind of listening, try not to tune out because you’re thinking of the one you lost.
Mr. Hantge made sure every person understood how to proceed and what to do. He would then ask if there were any questions. Everything would always run so smoothly.
Robert, Richard and the rest of your family, sending you sympathy and prayers to help get through this difficult time.
Kristin Briggs
Kristie Flachmeyer says
He was nice to visit with while, he was in Dassel. Even though I had a short time knowing him, he had a warm smile, he enjoyed seeing his Son’s and bringing McDonald’s for his lunch. With sympathy, Kristie Flachmeyer
Katherine Brockhoff says
Kathy, Robert and Ricard and all the family of Everett, on behalf of myself, Kathy (formerly Mrs. David Hill) Brockhoff, my son Adam Hill and his wife, Brandi, my daughter Amy Hill and Pat Bartels, and my daughter Amanda Hill and son Ethan Hill, we’d like to extend our deepest sympathy to you all on Everett’s passing. Through marriage we were related and a nicer family couldn’t have been found. May God be with you as you grieve. Kathy Brockhoff and family.
Jo Moldestad Reck says
To Robert, Richard, and families~ My deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. He truly was such a kind and caring man, and always so very friendly when we’d run into each other somewhere. That beautiful video showed just how much he loved his family and all those precious grands and great grands! Your parents raised 2 pretty amazing boys who I see so much of your dad in, and that’s a heartfelt compliment! He’ll be a tough act to follow, but he left you with a pretty accurate road map! Keeping you in my thoughts and in my heart~ Jo