Delmar Vernal Lindgren

While drinking very hot black coffee on the morning of January 17, Delmar Vernal Lindgren was delighted to read in the paper that the secret to a long, good life -”it helps if you are Swedish”. That night, the Swede of 93 exuberant years, died peacefully in his sleep at home in Staples, MN with his wife Liz, of 69 years by his side. Del was born in Lindstrom, MN January of 1930 and graduated from Chi-High in 1948. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving most of his time in Germany. Del attended the University of Minnesota, and met Liz. They married on February 6, 1954 raising four children in Crystal, MN. Del worked at Northrup King Seed Company for 31 years, retiring on his 62nd birthday to enjoy life even more. Del was an active Minnesotan, embracing all the seasons had to offer. He took his family camping every weekend in the summer. He was active in nordic and alpine skiing, fishing, biking, hiking, snowshoeing, golf, and being the avid Minnesota sports fan he was, he always loved playing and watching sports with his grandchildren. Del had a passion in for playing cards and other games that gave him reason to do what he enjoyed most- connecting with people. Del was active within the Staples community. He could be found swapping stories and building relationships with those during Staples Host Lion’s meetings, when volunteering at the food shelf, delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, and while spending many hours helping to build Faith Lutheran Church. He and Liz traveled all over the U.S. and world after retirement. Del shared his kind heart, gentle soul, and delightful wit as a loving Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Lindgren; children, Kim Ranstrom (Doyle), Kerry Lindgren (Becky), Kelly Coughlin (Kevin); grandkids, Courtney, Morgan, Skye, Guthrie, Megan, and Molly; great-grandkids, Eliza, Tilda, Alba, and Hugo; and sister Vera Mae Smith. Del is preceded in death by his son, Kent, and brother John.

A memorial service will be held in May at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, MN with his internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery the following day.

Del’s way of spreading his sunshine with others with genuine love and kindness will forever tickle and put a grateful grin on all who were blessed to experience life with him.