Delores Elaine (Popp) DeWald Hanhardt, 98, La Crosse, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed, La Crosse.
Delores was born Dec. 16, 1925, in rural Susank, Barton County, the eldest of five children born to Wilhelm and Olinda (Schwartzkopf) Popp. She was baptized and confirmed in the faith of Schoenfeld Evangelical Church, northwest of Susank. A 1944 graduate of Hoisington High School, Hoisington, she received her teaching certificate from Fort Hays Kansas State College, Hays. She taught two years at North Star District #62, Barton County.
On May 12, 1946, she married Harlan DeWald at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Millberger. They made their home on a farm near Galatia. In 1952 they moved to a farm northwest of La Crosse. Harlan preceded her in death Oct. 9, 1986.
On Dec. 11, 1993, she married Robert D. Hanhardt at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hays. He preceded her in death Oct. 2, 2017.
She was a member of First Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Through the years she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was a member of WELCA.
Her interests as a homemaker were spent with her children’s 4-H projects. She enjoyed needlework, sewing, crocheting afghans for family members, and oil painting.
Delores was a devoted wife and homemaker. She helped with farmwork in addition to being a cook for La Crosse High School, La Crosse, and a part-time cook for Locust Grove Village, La Crosse. Students and residents loved her food, especially the breads she baked. After her marriage to Robert, she was active in the Hanhardt Tax Service, La Crosse. She and Robert were able to travel, something they both enjoyed, before he preceded her in death.
Survivors include: one son, Mark DeWald, Great Bend; one daughter, Janice Huthoefer (Don), Sierra Vista, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Jessica Riebel (Chase), Jonathan DeWald (Julie), Katie Harrelson, and Daniel Huthoefer; 10 great-grandchildren, Mathew Huthoefer, Jacob Riebel, Abigail Nilges (Sam), Alexandria Langworthy (Coleton), Anastasia Riebel, Ashley Riebel, Flint Riebel, Tinesha DeWald, Reuben DeWald, and Heaven DeWald; two great-great-grandchildren, Pompey Nilges, and Samantha Nilges; two sisters, Theresa Dietz (Emil), and Shirley Maier (Robert); one step-son, Ron Hanhardt (Juanita); one step-daughter in law, Shelley Hanhardt; two sisters-in-law, Alice Michaelis, and Shirley DeWald; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; step-great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; an infant son, Stephen Dale DeWald (Jan. 30, 1950); one daughter-in-law, Enid “E. J.” DeWald (Aug. 19, 2020); a grandson, Daniel Huthoefer (March 15, 2006); a granddaughter, Justina Elizabeth DeWald (March 15, 1986); one step-son, Jim Hanhardt; twin step-grandsons, Matthew Hanhardt, and Luke Hanhardt; one brother, Vernon Popp; and a sister and brother in law, LoRee and Elroy Dietz.
Per Delores’ wishes, the family has chosen cremation. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to First Lutheran Church, La Crosse, or Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed, La Crosse.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.