Obit: DeFord, Delmon Jr. (1967 - 2018)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: DeFord, Murphy, Gebhardt, Garbisch, Anderson, Opelt, Thums

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/29/2018

DeFord, Delmon Jr. (4 July 1967 – 22 August 2018)

Delmon DeFord Jr., age 51, of Neillsville, passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 4, 1967, to Delmon Sr. and Sharon (Murphy) DeFord in Black River Falls.

Del married Gwen Gebhardt on May 11, 1999, in Sparta. In his younger years, he was diagnosed with a degenerative disc condition in his back, but he never allowed it to slow him down. He was a true family man and loved being a father. Del was a jack of all trades and always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. More than anything, he looked forward to family gatherings especially camping and fishing at McMullen Park and in Hatfield. Del was always the “grill master” at family events, making sure everyone was enjoying themselves while he did the work. He was a diesel mechanic and at one point had his own business repairing vehicles. He was also a heavy equipment operator, cranberry harvester, electrician, carpenter, and operated his own logging and sphagnum moss business. He also had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening and planting. Del will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen, his children, DaLynn and Danielle DeFord, Zachary (Randi Garbisch) Anderson, Dillon DeFord, Paige (Zach) Opelt, Shalina (Alex Thums) Anderson and Jameson Anderson, grandchildren, Aerianna, Wyatt, Robert, Mynroe, Natalee, Oakley, Lexi and Zaylee, a brother, Daren (Shelly) DeFord, and his faithful and loving pup, Loki. He is further survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Delmon was preceded in death by his parents, Delmon Sr. and Sharon.

A Celebration of Delmon’s life will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at the Meadow Valley Community Church in Mather, located at 33907 Cty Hwy EE, Warrens, WI 54666. Pastor Daren DeFord will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Meadow Valley Community Church.

Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.