Dorothy Delfs

DOROTHY DELFS was born December 7, 1923 to Henry and Gertrude (Van Dyke) Bosch on a farm south of Steen, Minnesota located in Lyon County, Iowa. At the age of five, the family moved into Steen where she was raised and received her education through the eighth grade. After her schooling, Dorothy remained busy as she did housework for others in the neighborhood. On March 11, 1943 Dorothy was united in marriage to Peter Delfs at her parents' home. Shortly after their marriage, Pete entered the U.S. Army and served during WWII. Dorothy remained in Steen and cared for the couple's first born daughter, Janice. The couple was later blessed with twin daughters, Maradeth and Marlene. Along with being a homemaker to their children, Dorothy helped with Pete's trucking operation. In 1964, the family moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota while Pete trained as a federal meat inspector. The family then lived in Worthington, Minnesota for a few years before moving to Luverne, Minnesota in 1976. When the girls were grown, Dorothy took a job at a school for the disabled in Worthington for several years. The couple retired in the mid 1980's and spent their time traveling and enjoying life. Pete, her husband of 60 years, preceded her in death on July 24, 2003. Dorothy continued to reside in her home until December of 2013, when she moved to the Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne where she died peacefully on February 11, 2014 at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 4 days.

Dorothy was a past member of the Steen Reformed Church and a current member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne, Minnesota. She was a woman of strong faith. She belonged to the Gleaners Circle and also served as the church organist and pianist. Dorothy had a passion for music. She loved listening to gospel music and took many trips around the country to attend various concerts. Their home was filled with lots of piano playing and singing. Dorothy was an excellent seamstress. She sewed all of the clothing for her three girls when they were young and also made their prom dresses, and bridal and bridesmaids dresses.

Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Janice Klosterbuer and her husband Duane of Steen, Maradeth Timmerman of Luverne and Marlene Delfs of Rochester, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Todd Klosterbuer, Joel Timmerman, Dana Timmerman, Jodie Bonnema, and Jill Watson; seven great-grandchildren, Ryan Timmerman, Evan Timmerman, Shaun Timmerman, Alex Bonnema, Amanda Mensing, Cassandra Klosterbuer, and Stephanie Watson; and a great-great grandson, Kameron Sachtjen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; sisters, Mary Huenink and Grace Burgraaf; and a brother, Henry Bosch.