Delores Mae Moeller, a loving and devoted mother of seven, went home to Jesus in the early morning hours of May 4, 2025, at the age of 91. Delores had a remarkable ability to make a deep and lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She raised her family in Hastings, MN and was well known and deeply rooted in the community. Her fierce love for her children, grandchildren, friends, and every animal she ever met defined who she was. Family was the most important part of her life and she dedicated herself completely to loving and caring for them.
She had a huge heart and a generous spirit, expressed through the many years she volunteered at the Dakota County Juvenile Detention Center. Delores brought gifts to the kids in the jail, not for recognition, but because she wanted them to know that someone was thinking about them. She wanted everyone to know that they were loved no matter what was in their past and that they could be proud of their choices in the future. She loved all of God’s children unconditionally.
She found great joy working at Walmart, where she could socialize and reconnect with many in the community, including some of the very youth she supported during their time in juvenile detention. Earlier in her life, she worked many years in manufacturing at HD Hudson, always dedicated and hardworking.
Delores was an activist in her own quiet way, never seeking the spotlight, but always standing up for what she believed in. She once organized a petition that helped stop an animal research project, gaining national attention and earning her the nickname “the Cat Woman from Hastings.” She was always a fighter at heart and had a special place for the underdog. Her strength, compassion, and joyful spirit carried her through life and left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her children: Deborah (Rob) Ward, Daniel (Debbie) Moeller, Lee Moeller, Susan Moeller, Carl (Mari) Moeller, Paul (Nancy) Moeller, and Liz Moeller; her grandchildren: Justin, Jason, Nicole, Leah, Kristin, Nicholas, Rita, and Katie; and her great grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Ashley, Devon, Jared, Vince, Eric, Kiana, Averie, Parker, Rylee, Ellie, and Brant. She is also survived by her sister, Susie (Ed) Johnson; brother, Jimmy (Mary) Lee; sister in law, Marilyn Lee; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Bill and Bob Lee; her granddaughter, Crystal Moeller; and sons in law, Jim Reinardy and Rich Bethune.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN 55033, with a visitation to follow the service until 4:00 p.m. After the visitation, Delores wanted a party at the Hastings Eagles Club, so all are welcome to come, share stories, and celebrate her life the way she would have wanted.
Memorials are preferred to the Hastings Fire Department.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is handling the arrangements.
