Merle Joseph Delva died at his home Thursday, July 18, 2013.
He was born on the "Delva Family Farm" in Bellechester, to Peter Delva and Martha (Hofschulte) Delva on Jan. 21, 1927, and lived there for most of his life. He married Virginia Shones on June 6, 1951, in Theilman.
Merle was active in the Bellechester Saddle Club, and enjoyed riding in local parades, including the Centennial ride. He was also a member of the Farmers Union for a number of years. After farming in Bellechester for 25 years, he and his family moved to Mantorville where they continued to run a dairy farm. Merle returned to Bellechester in 1991 to care for his ailing parents.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia of 62 years; two daughters, Marlene Caldwell of Salem Ore., and Bonnie Delva of Mantorville; three sons, Tony (Laura) Pine Island, Kevin of Mantorville and James Delva of Monchs Corner, S.C.; five grandchildren, Jamie, Jesse and Jacob Delva and Brent and Lyle Caldwell; two great-grandsons, Oliver Benson and Jesse Delva, Jr.; a sister, Mary Eileen Engels of Sun City Ariz.; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son.
His wishes were to be cremated. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bellechester,
Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer Association.
Obituary and photo from Rochester Post Bulletin, July 23, 2013.
He was born on the "Delva Family Farm" in Bellechester, to Peter Delva and Martha (Hofschulte) Delva on Jan. 21, 1927, and lived there for most of his life. He married Virginia Shones on June 6, 1951, in Theilman.
Merle was active in the Bellechester Saddle Club, and enjoyed riding in local parades, including the Centennial ride. He was also a member of the Farmers Union for a number of years. After farming in Bellechester for 25 years, he and his family moved to Mantorville where they continued to run a dairy farm. Merle returned to Bellechester in 1991 to care for his ailing parents.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia of 62 years; two daughters, Marlene Caldwell of Salem Ore., and Bonnie Delva of Mantorville; three sons, Tony (Laura) Pine Island, Kevin of Mantorville and James Delva of Monchs Corner, S.C.; five grandchildren, Jamie, Jesse and Jacob Delva and Brent and Lyle Caldwell; two great-grandsons, Oliver Benson and Jesse Delva, Jr.; a sister, Mary Eileen Engels of Sun City Ariz.; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son.
His wishes were to be cremated. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bellechester,
Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer Association.
Obituary and photo from Rochester Post Bulletin, July 23, 2013.
Merle Joseph Delva died at his home Thursday, July 18, 2013.
He was born on the "Delva Family Farm" in Bellechester, to Peter Delva and Martha (Hofschulte) Delva on Jan. 21, 1927, and lived there for most of his life. He married Virginia Shones on June 6, 1951, in Theilman.
Merle was active in the Bellechester Saddle Club, and enjoyed riding in local parades, including the Centennial ride. He was also a member of the Farmers Union for a number of years. After farming in Bellechester for 25 years, he and his family moved to Mantorville where they continued to run a dairy farm. Merle returned to Bellechester in 1991 to care for his ailing parents.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia of 62 years; two daughters, Marlene Caldwell of Salem Ore., and Bonnie Delva of Mantorville; three sons, Tony (Laura) Pine Island, Kevin of Mantorville and James Delva of Monchs Corner, S.C.; five grandchildren, Jamie, Jesse and Jacob Delva and Brent and Lyle Caldwell; two great-grandsons, Oliver Benson and Jesse Delva, Jr.; a sister, Mary Eileen Engels of Sun City Ariz.; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son.
His wishes were to be cremated. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bellechester,
Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer Association.
Obituary and photo from Rochester Post Bulletin, July 23, 2013.
He was born on the "Delva Family Farm" in Bellechester, to Peter Delva and Martha (Hofschulte) Delva on Jan. 21, 1927, and lived there for most of his life. He married Virginia Shones on June 6, 1951, in Theilman.
Merle was active in the Bellechester Saddle Club, and enjoyed riding in local parades, including the Centennial ride. He was also a member of the Farmers Union for a number of years. After farming in Bellechester for 25 years, he and his family moved to Mantorville where they continued to run a dairy farm. Merle returned to Bellechester in 1991 to care for his ailing parents.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia of 62 years; two daughters, Marlene Caldwell of Salem Ore., and Bonnie Delva of Mantorville; three sons, Tony (Laura) Pine Island, Kevin of Mantorville and James Delva of Monchs Corner, S.C.; five grandchildren, Jamie, Jesse and Jacob Delva and Brent and Lyle Caldwell; two great-grandsons, Oliver Benson and Jesse Delva, Jr.; a sister, Mary Eileen Engels of Sun City Ariz.; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son.
His wishes were to be cremated. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bellechester,
Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer Association.
Obituary and photo from Rochester Post Bulletin, July 23, 2013.
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