Gary Alvin Delfs

Steen, MN Gary A. Delfs Sr., age 70 of Steen, MN died Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2009 from 4-8 PM with the family present from 6-8 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA. A memorial service will be held that evening at 7:30 PM, with Chaplin Dan Leininger officiating. Following the memorial service military honors will be presented by the Van Anne-Fields VFW Post No. 6960 and Rex Strait American Legion Post No. 103 of Rock Rapids. Gary Alvin Delfs Sr. was born on December 25, 1938 in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Henry and Anna (Holmer) Delfs. He grew up in the Rock Rapids area and graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1957. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years, serving over sea in Japan and Korea. On April 1, 1963, he was united in marriage to Sharon Rae Piersal in Wheaton, MN and to this union four sons were born. Gary worked as an Electrical Technician at Western Electric for15 years. He then owned a construction company, worked for the Hills Telephone Company and later did contract work for other telephone companies in the midwest. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and trap shooter. He liked playing cards, camping, and loved being on his acreage. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Gary is survived by three sons: Gary Jr. (wife, Terri) Delfs of Steen, MN, Craig (wife, Julie) Delfs of Madison, SD and Jeff (wife, Beth) Delfs of Canton, SD; six grandchildren; three sisters, Margaret La Frenz of Rock Rapids, IA, Phyllis (husband, Hank) Wildeman of Cedar Rapids, IA and Eunice (husband, John) McCarty of Larchwood, IA; one brother, Raymond (wife, Janice) Delfs of Rock Rapids, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon in 2006; son, Lyle Delfs; and two brothers, Pete, Adrian and Alvin Delfs.