Delton Joseph Sebenaler passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025 at the age of 95. He was born on June 16, 1929 in Mentor, MN to parents Peter and Hazel (Bouffler) Sebenaler. Delton was raised on the family farm with five siblings and graduated with the Mentor class of 1947.
Delton worked at the local creamery for area farmers prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army on September 18, 1951. He served in the Korean Conflict in Artillery and was awarded the esteemed Purple Heart, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars. He was honorably discharged on June 17, 1953.
On December 29, 1953, Delton married Dorothy Duffy at the Cathedral in Crookston, MN. They lived in Minneapolis for a year before settling in Oklee, MN, in 1955 where they raised their six children. Delton managed the Oklee Creamery until his retirement in 1983 and later worked at Northland Vault in Brooks until retiring fully in 1998.
Delton enjoyed word search puzzles, mowing lawns, and fixing mowers. He loved playing cards, was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, and participated in a bowling league in Oklee. He also cherished time spent visiting with friends at the coffee shop. Known for his sense of humor, he was always a jokester who loved to tease, especially his grandchildren.
A devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Delton served as sexton of St. Francis Xavier Cemetery for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy Sebenaler; children Sharon (Steven) Frees, Daniel Sebenaler, Steven Sebenaler, Gregory Sebenaler, Kari Shannon-Anderson (Kenneth Prchal), and Sheila (Travis) Ness; grandchildren Michael (Amanda) Frees, Mark (Erinn) Frees, Michelle Frees, Jessica (Vlad) Popescu, Kendra (Robb) Lauer, Nathan Ness, Caleb Ness, Aaron Ness and Logan Ness: great-grandchildren Lydia Frees, David Frees, Owen Frees, Soren Frees, Bode Frees, and Luca Popescu; and sister-in-law Maurine Sebenaler. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings DuWayne, Ronald, and Russell Sebenaler; Dorothy Ellefson; and Laverne Boyum; son-in-law Brian Anderson. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
Mass of Christian Burial for Delton will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, MN with Father Bryan Kujawa officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Crookston, MN