Delores Frances Stelken, 98, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.
She was born on July 13, 1927, in a small rock house near Holy Cross, the daughter of John and Loretta (Fangman) Diesburg. Delores attended a one room schoolhouse called St. Francis, east of Dyersville.
On January 6, 1948, Delores was united in marriage to Arthur Stelken at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville. Eight children were born to this union. Together the couple farmed for many years in Honey Creek Township, until retiring from farming in 1975 and moving to Manchester.
Delores was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church and her faith inspired her life. She enjoyed quilting and made keepsake quilts for each grandchild and great-grandchild until her fingers failed her. Delores liked playing cards and dominoes. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed canning. Delores was also a volunteer at Camp Courageous. Above all else, Delores loved her family and cherished spending time with them.
Survivors include her four daughters, Judy (Larry) Bowers of Marion, Janice (Gary) Duggan of Marion, Pat (Marc) Thomsen of Port Angeles, Washington, and Sherri (Brad) Clauson of Strawberry Point; two sons, Dan (Sandi) Stelken of Manchester and Art Stelken, Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri; son-in-law, Al Cook of Manchester; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Laura Mae “Toots” Carton of Manchester; and many nieces and nephews.
Delores was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Art Stelken in 1992; her daughter, Susan Cook; son, David Stelken; great-grandson, Vincent Jon Bowers; brothers, Lawrence (Lillian), Morris, Gerald (Eloise), and Jim Diesburg; sister, Martha Jane (Jerry) Stelken; and grandson-in-law, Mark Dougherty.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., on Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa, with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating.
Visitation: 9:00 – 10:45 a.m., on Friday, December 19, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa.
Inurnment: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Manchester, Iowa
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