Hantge Funeral Chapel in Darwin

About Hantge Funeral Chapel

The role of Funeral Service in our community can be traced back to the beginnings of our local history. Many changes have occurred over the years. During the latter part of the 1800's, those who provided funeral goods and services were known as "Undertakers" because they undertook the task of burying the dead. These people were often cabinet-makers who made furniture and also caskets when one was needed. During this time in history, Funeral Service was often associated with furniture stores. Today, Licensed Morticians offer their professional services from fully-equipped funeral home facilities. Locally, the Henry Dobratz family and Walter Quast and served the Hutchinson Community in Funeral Service for many years.

In 1911, Henry A. Dobratz purchased a furniture store from G.H. Seibold and established "H.A. Dobratz Furniture and Undertaking" on Main Street. New facilities were built in 1914.

In 1925, Walter Quast opened a furniture store and funeral service at 137 N. Main Street in Hutchinson. In 1937, the corner of Hassan Street and Second Avenue became the location of the Quast Funeral Home. This was the first formal Funeral Home established in McLeod County.

Funeral arrangements and viewing of the Deceased took place in this building or at the family's home. In June of 1944, Henry Dobratz, along with his sons Floyd and Donald Dobratz, opened funeral home facilities on the corner of Glen Street and Fourth Avenue and established the Dobratz Chapel.