Delbert Duane Zietlow

Delbert Duane Zietlow, age 84, of Boyd, MN passed away Monday, July 3rd, 2023, at Prairie Home Hospice McLaughlin House in Marshall. 

Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 7th, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Boyd, MN. Rev. Dean Rager will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. 

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Delbert Duane Zietlow was born January 21st, 1939 in Clarkfield, to Herman and Ruth (Koepp) Zietlow. He had one sister, Linda. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, in Boyd, MN, which provided a solid foundation for his faith throughout his life.

Delbert's education took him through Clarkfield school until the 9th grade, at which point he joined his father on the family farm. Working the land became his passion and livelihood, and he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to. On September 12th, 1958, he married the love of his life, Wava Oswald, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They established their home on the family farm near Boyd and were blessed with four beautiful daughters: Debbie, Dawn, Paula, and Patti Jo. Delbert's daughters were the center of his world, and he took great pride in being a "Girl Dad." Throughout his life, Delbert raised various crops such as corn, wheat and soybeans, ensuring the prosperity of his family and community. He tirelessly worked the fields until 1988 when he retired from active farming. Delbert's passion for driving led him to a new chapter in his career as a truck driver for Viessman Trucking, retiring in 2003. However, his love for trucking remained, and he continued to contribute as a truck driver at Prairie Grain Partners in Clarkfield.

Delbert enjoyed simple pleasures in life. He loved adventure and creating unforgettable memories for his family, and one occasion he surprised Wava with a motorhome. They embarked on a cross-country journey that filled their hearts with adventure and wonder. Their love for travel and the open road led them to acquire a campsite in the Florida Keys. This decision gave the Zietlow girls the unique opportunity to spend their winters in Florida. Then, on February 2nd, 2012, they purchased their home in Port Charlotte, Florida, and spent every winter there since. Delbert also loved camping, snowmobiling, boating, motorcycle riding, watching the Minnesota Twins, enjoying dinners at Outback Steakhouse & spending time with his family. 

Deeply rooted in his faith, Delbert actively participated in his church community. He found solace and inspiration through singing church hymns and listening to gospel music. Above all else, Delbert valued spending time with his family. He cherished the moments shared with Wava, his beloved wife of 64 years, and his daughters. Whether it was gathering for a special occasion or simply relishing in the joys of everyday life, Delbert's family was his anchor and the source of his greatest happiness.

Delbert is survived by his loving wife, Wava; his daughters: Debbie (David) Munson of Litchfield, Dawn (Greg) Londgren of Clarkfield, Paula (John) Van Dorpe of Glencoe, and Patti Jo (DeRonn) Greseth of Farmington; 8 Grandchildren: Jamie (Gary) Olson, Courtney (Josh) Litzau, Krystle (Dustin) Enninga, Sami Jo (Rich) Sorbo, Garrett (Mollie) Londgren, Jacob VanDorpe, Devin Greseth, Dustin Greseth; 8 Great Grandchildren: Shelbie (Special Friend Daquarion), Shaleigh (fiancée Tommy), Oliver, Kresley, Colsten, Alexandra, Kyler, Kelten; 1 Great-Great Grandchild: Marleigh and many extended family members and friends. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, Herman & Ruth, his sister Linda Hagen, Brother-In-Law Gordon Hagen, Niece Stephanie Hagen, Son-In-Law David Dotseth, Grandson Justin VanDorpe. 

May his soul rest in eternal peace, knowing that he was deeply loved and that his legacy will endure through those he leaves behind.