The Hutchinson community is grieving the loss of 27-year-old Amber Czech, a young welder whose life was cut tragically short following a brutal workplace attack last week. At St. Anastasia Catholic Church, a steady flow of mourners gathered to honor a woman remembered as joyful, ambitious, and deeply committed to helping others.
Family friends describe Amber as someone who lit up every room she entered. “Right now, we are just trying to bless Amber and remember every part of her life that touched people in this community,” said Shannon Visser, a close friend of the family. “She gave so much, and we want to give her the send-off she deserves.”
A Violent Attack That Shocked a Community
Czech was working at Advanced Process Technologies in Cokato when she was allegedly attacked and killed by co-worker David Delong. According to prosecutors, Delong admitted to deputies that he did not like Amber and had been considering killing her for some time. The brutality of the attack — carried out with a sledgehammer — stunned local residents and sent shockwaves throughout Minnesota’s trades community.
“People are just in disbelief that something like this could happen here,” said neighbor Benita Quast. “This is a quiet area. You don’t expect something so violent.”
While investigators continue to piece together details, the larger community is focused on honoring Amber’s memory and supporting her family, who have been thrust into unimaginable grief.
Women in the Trades Rally Together
Amber’s death has resonated far beyond Cokato. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) convened an emergency meeting following news of the attack. Hundreds of members from across the country gathered to share experiences of harassment, gender discrimination, and safety concerns in the construction and trades industries.
Rita Brown, NAWIC’s Executive Director, said the tragedy struck a nerve among women who have fought for visibility and protection in male-dominated workplaces. “Amber represents the entirety of our population,” Brown said. “Our heart breaks for her family, her friends, and everyone touched by what happened. This was nothing a young woman deserved — ever.”
In solidarity, women from trade industries nationwide have worn blue to work in Amber’s honor. Many have donated to a GoFundMe campaign supporting her family’s funeral expenses and future needs. Messages have poured in from welders, electricians, carpenters, and other tradeswomen who say Amber’s death reflects long-standing issues they still face daily.
A Legacy of Generosity and Courage
Those closest to Amber want the world to remember more than the tragedy — they want to highlight her vibrant spirit and the impact she made in just 27 years. Amber was known for her generosity, her love of community, and her dedication to mastering her craft as a welder. Friends say she often volunteered, supported local causes, and uplifted others without hesitation.
“We are trying to come together as a church community and as Hutchinson to remember who Amber was,” Visser said. “She gave back so much. Now we want to honor her in every way we can.”
Community Support Continues
Czech’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday at St. Anastasia Catholic Church. In addition, Unhinged Pizza in Glencoe will host a fundraiser Tuesday to help the family with funeral costs. Community members, coworkers, and strangers alike are expected to attend, showing that Amber’s story has reached far beyond her hometown.
As Hutchinson mourns, the community is also beginning difficult conversations about safety, workplace culture, and the experiences of women in the trades. Amber’s death, devastating and senseless, has already sparked calls for change — and reminders of the need to protect young women forging paths in skilled professions.
But above all, those who knew her want to keep her memory rooted in joy. “She was full of ambition, full of light,” Visser said. “That’s what we are choosing to carry forward.”
