Delmar "Smokey" Ray Stoltenberg

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Delmar “Smokey” Ray Stoltenberg, age 75, of Garretson, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at his home. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Monday, July 15, 2013, at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Visitation with the family present will be from 3-5:00 PM Sunday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.

Delmar Ray Stoltenberg was born on August 24, 1937, in Alvord, Iowa, to Fred & Alma (Mundt) Stoltenberg. He graduated from Hills High School in Minnesota, and was employed at the hatchery in Hills until moving to Garretson in 1962. He worked at the Garretson Elevator and then drove the Skelly Oil Truck. After Skelly Oil closed, Delmar returned to the Garretson Elevator until becoming a Rural Letter Carrier. He was a member of the Garretson Volunteer Fire Department for 16 years. Delmar also developed the River Avenue Mobile Home Court in Garretson in the 1970’s and managed it until his retirement.

Delmar was an avid restorer and collector of John Deere tractors and implement, and John Deere Toy Tractors. He spent countless hours working at his shop in Garretson and enjoyed various auctions around the area. He always had an extra chair available at his shop for friends to stop and visit. Delmar especially enjoyed spoiling and spending time with his two granddaughters.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Diana (Mike) Dooley, Sioux Falls; granddaughters: Alexis and Emily; a daughter-in-law, Kerri Stoltenberg Johnston, Elk Point; brothers: Dale Stoltenberg, Garretson, and Dean (Marce) Stoltenberg, Brandon; a sister, LaVane (Harlowe) Sundem, Brandon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Delmar was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Donald on September 14, 1993; brothers: Delbert and Daryel; and a nephew, Wayne Sundem.