DeLoris Sartell

DeLoris Ruth (Brinkman) Sartell, 89, formerly of Wadena, MN, passed away peacefully at Country Manor Nursing Home in Sartell, MN. DeLoris was born in Zumbrota, MN to John and Olga (Klefstad) Brinkman. DeLoris graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1940, earned a teaching certificate from St. Cloud Teachers College in 1942, and taught for several years. She married Charles J. Sartell of Sartell, MN, a high school classmate, in 1943 and became a war bride. The couple moved to Wadena, MN in 1949 and raised nine children. Returning to teaching in 1968 and continuing her studies, she earned a degree in special education from St. Cloud State University in 1974. She taught in the Wadena school system until her retirement in 1988. In 1980, DeLoris was honored as one of 11 Minnesota Teachers of Excellence. DeLoris was elected Woman of the Year in 1982 by the Wadena Chamber of Commerce. She was active in the following: VFW Post 3922 Auxiliary, American Legion Post 171 Auxiliary, church, Order of the Eastern Star, Jobs Daughters, Girl Scouts, Twentieth Century Club, Wadena Golf Course, Boy Scouts, hockey association, Association for Retarded Citizens, Wadena Recreation Board, Jaycee Women, Wadena County Development Achievement Center Board, and Pembina Trails Group Home Board. DeLoris enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, bowling, gardening, growing flowers, sewing, baking Scandinavian specialties, collecting plates and cups, reading, and decorating for the holidays. She also enjoyed winters at their home in Arizona. DeLoris made a difference in the lives of her family, students, neighbors, friends, and community. Her family will always remember her unique ability to make strangers part of her world within minutes of meeting them. She was an avid fan of all her children’s activities and gave loving attention to every detail of family life. She was the definition of a very dedicated, caring, and unselfish mother and grandmother, always going out of her way to accommodate others and pamper her guests. DeLoris was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, in 2005 and her parents. She is survived by her children: Charles (Sally) Sartell of Laguna Vista, TX; Mary (Marty) Wasche of Eagle River, AK; Jesica Sartell of Issaquah, WA; Karell Sartell of Sartell, MN; Sally McGavock of Gilbert, AZ; Dan (Donna) Sartell of Wadena, MN; Pat Sartell of Marysville, CA; Jim (Kathy) Sartell of Rosemount, MN; and Bill (Kathy) Sartell of Sauk Rapids, MN; brothers: Milton (Janet) Brinkman of Hutchinson, MN and Wayne (Evelyn) Brinkman of St. Cloud, MN; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all. DeLoris’ family expresses heartfelt appreciation for the gracious and loving care provided by the Fair Oaks Lodge and Country Manor Nursing Home staffs. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Johnson Memorial Home in Wadena. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the First Congregational Church - UCC, in Wadena. Private Interment.

DeLoris Sartell

February 28, 1923 - March 9, 2012