Delbert J. Crotteau, 91, of Hutchinson passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
 A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment with Military Honors at Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
 Delbert John Crotteau was born on December 14, 1933, in Barron County, Wis., to Maurice and Catherine (Meysembourg) Crotteau. Del was baptized on June 17, 1934, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Strickland, Wis. His parents divorced when he was a young child and his mother went on to marry Ira Hyland of Chetek, Wis. Ira and Catherine blended their young families, and as an adult, Del often praised Ira for being a father to him and for helping him to become the man that he was. Del graduated from Chetek High School in May 1952.
 In 1954 Del joined the U.S. Marine Corp and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. A few months later, Del called the love of his life, Shirley Daggett of Rice Lake, Wis., and asked her to fly out to California and marry him. They were married on December 21, 1954, at Los Felix Methodist Church in Los Angeles. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Daniel, Dawn, Debra and Shelly.
 Del went on to work for Home Gas Company (later Texgas Corp and Lakes Gas) first in delivery and service, then as a branch manager. During this time, they lived in southern Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin before settling in Hutchinson in 1970. In 1984, he began working for Natrogas Inc in Silver Lake and stayed there until he retired from full-time employment in 1996.
 In 1987, Del and Shirley moved to their beloved home on Lake Erie. There they enjoyed the quiet lake life and spending time with their children and grandchildren. After Del retired, they began their dream of traveling, visiting all of the lower 48 states. Whether weekend camping trips or months-long excursions, they loved traveling together and enjoyed taking grandchildren with them on shorter trips. Del also enjoyed woodworking, Saturday breakfasts with the guys, westerns, and reading. He was an active member of Vineyard United Methodist Church and was also previously a member of the Hutchinson Lions Club.
 In 2004, Del and Shirley moved back to Hutchinson and began making memories in their final home together. Del and Shirley shared 69 years of marriage before Shirley unexpectedly passed away in January 2024. Afterwards, Del moved into Oaks Assisted Living for a short time and then into Harmony River Living Center.
 Del is survived by his children, Daniel Crotteau (Rhonda), Dawn Crotteau (Brad Lindgren), Deb Billiet, Shelly McLain (Patrick); grandchildren, Lori Hein, Amanda Peik (Korey), Jessica Ecklund (Patrick), Nicole Lulek (Brian), Stephen Daniels, Andrew McLain (Kayla), Tyler Billiet, Danielle Smith (Jake), John McLain, Aspen Billiet; great-grandchildren, Courtney, Kinsley, Alyssa, Maddex, Korrah, Zeke, Madilyn, Piper, Alexander, Aiden; sisters-in-law Beverly Hyland, Jeanne Bernier, Beverly Bruegl; brothers-in-law David Daggett, Dennis Daggett (Nicole); former son-in-law and special family friend, Robert Billiet; and many other relatives and friends.
 Del was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, parents Ira and Catherine Hyland and Maurice Sr. and Mary Crotteau; sister Valencia Crotteau, brother Maurice Crotteau Jr; stepbrothers Edwin Hyland, William Hyland and his wife Della, Robert Hyland and his wife Billie; stepsister Maxine Frasier and her husband Russell; mother- and father-in law Delma and Fairie Daggett, and brother-in-law Gordon Daggett.
 The family of Delbert Crotteau would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers at this time, with a special thank you to the staff at Harmony River Living Center for the excellent care and kindness given to Del over the past year.