Delores M. Achenbach

Delores Mae (Peterson) Achenbach, 95, was the embodiment of a life well-lived. She passed away peacefully on June 10th, 2025 in St. Cloud, MN, surrounded by her family.
Born on May 23rd, 1930 in Mohall, ND, Delores was the cherished daughter of Pete and Dorothy (Mueller) Peterson. A devoted member of the Catholic faith, she was baptized in Mohall and spent her life personifying unconditional and nonjudgmental love. Delores was a passionate supporter of education, graduating from Blackduck High School before receiving her bachelor's degree from Bemidji State University and master's degree in library science. Endeavoring to pass this love to the next generation, Delores worked as a junior high school English teacher where she was adored by her students and colleagues alike.
Delores married the love of her life, Herbert Achenbach, on June 5th, 1948, and she always said that she'd never had a dull day since. Raising six children together, their home was always brimming with joy, laughter, and love. The true matriarch of our family, her door and kitchen table were always open, and she absolutely loved hosting family and friends; she maintained an impressive social calendar right up until her final days. Delores will be remembered by her loved ones as a true fairytale grandmother– a beater of bullies, distributor of cookies, pie wizard, voracious reader, and unwavering supporter. She loved working on crossword puzzles, drinking copious amounts of coffee, telling and listening to stories, and above all, hearing the chatter of a house filled with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Delores is survived by her children, Jane Achenbach (Kitty), Laurie Achenbach (Steve), Kathy Will (Harley), Peggy Achenbach, Jay Achenbach (Catherine), and Bill Achenbach (Lisa); grandchildren Nick, Josh, Nate, Peter, Tim, Grace, Alexandra, Michael, Catherine, Hannah, Jack, Brennen, John, and Andy; and many other family members and friends.
Preceding her in death is her husband, Herbert, her parents, Pete and Dorothy Peterson, and her brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Cedelia Peterson.
Funeral services will be held on June 25th at St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church in Lindstrom, MN, with open visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and a luncheon immediately following. Graveside service and burial will be open to the public at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN on June 27th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Herbert and Delores Achenbach Scholarship Endowment Fund (www.siuf.org/achenbach), a cause close to her heart.