David Ernest Delzer, 88, Mantorville

David Ernest Delzer, 88, was called home Saturday morning, June 25, 2016, from the Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center, Minn., where he resided for 15 days.
Dave was born February 13, 1928, in rural Kasson.  He was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member at the Pleasant Corners United Methodist Church.  Dave attended rural school at both the Pleasant Corners School and the Brick School.  He graduated from Kasson High School in 1945.
On October 26, 1947, Dave married Marlys Langworthy at her grandparents’ home in Ashland Township where her parents had been married 24 years earlier.  Dave and Marlys farmed north of Mantorville until moving to their present farm in 1959. Along with farming, Dave worked for Dodge County Soil and Water Conservation Service until retiring in 1995.  He was an avid conservationist.
Dave and Marlys were very active parents raising an ever growing family. All family members were active in church, 4-H, FFA and countless school activities.
Dave was a member of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.  He enjoyed his horses, old John Deere tractors, the Friendship Wagon Train, taking care of animals, and enjoying life on the farm.  He spent endless hours hosting hayrides and other fun activities for friends and family members. The door was always open, and his grandchildren enjoyed going to the farm.   Dave was a greatly loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather.
Dave is survived by Marlys, his wife of 68 years and their eight children-Steven (Sandy) Delzer, Dodge Center ; Harlan (Peggy) Delzer, Riverside, Cali.; Gwen (Leon) Rose, Cannon Falls;  Gayle Funk, Canton, Minn.; Blaine Delzer, Mantorville; and three children placed in their care:  Vicki (Mario) Guy, Huntingtown, Md.;  Cyndi (William) Long, Semmes, Ala.; and David Pearson, Warren, Ind.  Tomomi (Ron) Gandrude, St. Charles, came to live with them in 1978, as a young adult.  He also leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren (expecting three more), one great-great grandson and sister-in-law Carol Delzer of Kasson.
He is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Marcella Delzer; and brother George Delzer.
The funeral for David Ernest Delzer was held Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the Pleasant Corners United Methodist Church with Reverend Joel Xavier officiating.  Inurnment was be in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center. 
Dave’s family would like to thank the staff at Fairview Care Center for the care given to him during his short stay there. 
The Delzer family suggests memorials be directed to Friendship Wagon Train (100% of funds raised by Friendship Wagon Train go for Camp Winnebago camper scholarships for disabled people of all ages), Pleasant Corners United Methodist Church (both organizations were dear to Dave’s heart), or to the donor’s choice.
Blessed be his memory.
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