Delores M. Johnson

On Friday, March 24, 2023, Delores Marie (Bestul) Johnson, age 89, loving wife and mother of five finished her journey on earth and went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus.
Delores was born to Rueben and Inga (Moen) Bestul on September 12, 1933, in Iola, Wisconsin. Delores graduated from Iola High School where she enjoyed her studies, sports and being a cheerleader. Delores married her high school sweetheart, Donald Johnson, on October 18, 1952, they most recently celebrated 70 years together.
Delores and Don purchased a farm in Amherst Wisconsin area and she went to work for Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point. They later moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, so Don could work in his father's home construction business. After several years and one child, they decided to move back to Wisconsin, finding a farm in the Kiel area. Eventually Don, Delores and a growing family of six, moved into Kiel and started Johnson Builders. Delores helped with the bookwork and other aspects in the business, as well as raising their now, five high-spirited children, well at least the last one, Mike. Delores loved learning and trying new things, such as taking CPR classes, getting her realtor license to further help with their business and we do not want to forget experimenting with different recipes, such as a family favorite, fruit soup!
Delores was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Valders for 62 years, where she was part of the Stephen Ministries, Ladies Aid and also served as a Sunday School teacher and volunteered when there was any type of need at the church. She loved baking, music, singing and playing the piano, her love for music was passed on to all of her children. Delores loved watching her children and grandchildren over the years and supporting them at their various music and sporting events.
After retiring Delores and Don enjoyed traveling, especially a trip to Norway where she met many of her relatives for the first time and saw the homestead area where her mother was born. She loved researching her family genealogy and working extensively on her Family Tree.
Delores left behind her loving husband of 70 years, Donald, and five children Cindy (Butch) Graf, Sheboygan Falls, Jeff, Sheboygan, Randy (Lynnette) Elkhart Lake, Debi, Kaukauna and Mike (Jena), Howards Grove, 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
Delores was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, father in-law and mother in-law, a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-laws.
Funeral Services for Delores will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Faith Lutheran Church, (255 Roosevelt St,) Valders. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Dan Lyman with burial to follow at Valders West Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00PM until 6:00PM on Monday at the Meiselwitz-Vollstedt-DeTroye Funeral Home (815 6th St, Kiel). The visitation will continue on Tuesday at Faith Lutheran Church, Valders, from 9:30AM until 10:45AM when brief family rites will be held.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Ben M. Dellaria, Rachael, the Calumet County Hospice - Keith, Amanda and Amanda, Senior Helpers- Kelly and Meiselwitz Funeral Home for all their care for Delores during this difficult time.
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