Del was called home April 16, 2024, after a courageous battle with chronic heart failure; just 15 days shy of her 100th birthday.
A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Lakota Lutheran Church in Lakota, ND.
Del was born in Nekoma, ND, on May 1, 1924; a special May Day gift for her parents. She was 100% Norwegian and very proud of that heritage. She lived in Edmore, ND; growing up where her father was a blacksmith. As a young girl, she was riding on the back of her father’s tractor, fell and was dragged by a well digger and almost lost her life.
Del was a high school basketball star and member of the pep squad. According to her classmates, she was the best dancer around especially when it came to the Jitterbug. She loved it so much that she continued dancing her entire life. After high school, Del moved to Grand Forks, ND, where with her cousin, they were the best waitresses around at the Uptown Cafe. She always earned the most tips and said you just have to be nice to people and when you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. Delphine was married to Leland “Lee” Johnson on Nov. 4, 1949, in Michigan, ND. They were blessed to share and celebrate 64 years of marriage. She was a 75-year member of the American Legion Auxillary Post 21 in Lakota, ND, the American Bowling Association, and the Lakota Lutheran Church. She worked many years at JCPenney and Sears where she was a diligent worker and attended to her duties with precision and care. Del made it a point to be in style and still dressed sharply at the age of 99.
Del is survived by her children, Connie Johnson (Deb Huff) of Apple Valley, CA, Ardy Rydell (James) of Waterloo, Iowa, and Casey Johnson (Debra) of Fort Dodge, Iowa; grandchildren, Krissy Halbur (Matt) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Matt Johnson (Abigail) of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Nick Johnson (Jordan) of West Des Moines, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Haylie and JoJo Halbur, Isabella and Max Johnson, and Sloan Johnson; her sister, Grace Sateren; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends including Ginger Kondrath whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Johnson, who died on her 90th birthday; her parents, Olvin “AJ” and Inga (Olsen) Walden; day old infant twin brothers; and sisters, Faye Beaudoin, Joyce Schwab, and Gail Ritteman; nephew, Larry Reynolds; brother-in-law, Galen Sateren; and niece, Tracy Schwab.
Del would like everyone to remember her motto “Always be kind to one another”.
Memorials may be left to the Friendship Haven Good Samaritan Fund, 420 Kenyon Road Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 or the American Legion Auxillary Post 21 in Lakota, North Dakota.