Funeral Service for Dolores "Delo" Lehrke, 94, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. with visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD with Pastor Larry Johnson officiating. Organist will be Clarice Arbach. Pallbearers will be Stanley Hippen, Dale Carlson, Pete Schmid, Samuel Fisher, Bruce Hammer, Teddy Winburn, and Gene Bartz. Honorary Pallbearers will be all Delo's friends and family. Interment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. Dolores passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Browns Valley Health Center due to health complications. Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Dolores "Delo" Lehrke was born February 22, 1926 to Harold and Elvera (Yost) Bartz at Bryant Township, Browns Valley, MN. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Trinity Lutheran church in Browns Valley. Dolores graduated from Sisseton High School and following graduation she took a position as a substitute teacher at Bryant Township School for a year. Her next venture led her to Watertown to attend beautician school for 18 months. Upon completion of beautician school, she pursued the man of her dreams, LaVern "Duke" Lehrke until he agreed to marry her on July 12, 1946. They celebrated over 73 years of marriage. His passing in October 2019 left an empty spot in her heart. To this marriage, one child was born, Lynneta who married Dennis Fisher.

On January 1, 1949, Duke and Dolores opened Lehrke's Tavern which they owned until they sold it in 1972. Over the years the Lehrke's purchased the King Koin Launderette, two apartment houses, a hotel and were part owners in the local Bowling Alley.

Delo enjoyed working and her hands were never idle. Delo always took time to enjoy life. She loved spending her free time golfing, playing bridge, bowling, dancing, gardening, canning and her flowers, out fishing Duke at the river and cheering on the Twins. Dolores loved to cook and entertain for family and friends. After retirement Duke and Delo spent time enjoying each other's company and many hours with their 5:00 friends and family. They enjoyed spending their summer evenings on the deck telling stories and chewing out the squirrels. Delo enjoyed the beauty of all the birds that stopped by the deck to feed, especially the hummingbirds. Her faithful companion "Honey Boy" will always be by her side.

Dolores had many interests that she pursued. She spent time knitting, crocheting and many loving hours creating Hardanger pieces specifically for the people she was giving them to. Dolores took great pleasure in her hardanger artistry and enjoyed sharing her skillful knowledge with other people.

Delo was the type of person that people loved being around. Dolores was a classy, kindhearted, patient, but very honest, witty person with a feisty spitfire side to her. She had many qualities that everyone who knew her are going to miss dearly.

Dolores is survived by her daughter Lynneta of Sisseton, SD; three grandsons, Travis (Linda) Fisher of Polson, MT, Justin (Shannon) Fisher of Sisseton, SD, Brandon (Jennifer) Fisher of Sisseton, SD, seven great grandchildren; Hayley (Toby), Mollie (Eli), Samuel, Mason, Carson, Michael, Sharlee and two great-great grandchildren; Lucy and Saylor, brother; Vernon (Pat) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband LaVern, her parents, brothers; Arvin, Harlyn, Dale, one sister Audrey, and son-in-law; Dennis Fisher.