Delbert Henry Birkel was born June 17, 1939 at Burke, South Dakota to William and Pauline (Leibel) Birkel. He was the youngest of five children. As a young boy, Delbert attended country school in both Burke and Gregory. He graduated from Burke High School in 1958. Upon graduating high school, Delbert worked as a farm laborer until 1962, during which time he was drafted into the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge in 1965, he returned back to the Burke area and began farming and ranching with his father and brother.

On October 9, 1965, Delbert married his sweetheart of four years, Cecelia (JoAnn) Lydon. To this union they were blessed with six children. Delbert and JoAnn moved their family to their current residence west of Bonesteel, where he continued to do what he loved best, farm. Delbert's most prized possession was his family. He was an inspiration to his children and taught them all the value of hard work and generosity. Delbert and JoAnn valued the quality time they spent with their family. Whether it was working cattle or canning sweet corn, to attending his grandchildren's sporting events, Delbert treasured it all.

Delbert always liked to stay busy and never stood in one place too long. If he wasn't busy working on the farm, he was helping others. After his daily morning walks, he could be found fixing fence, working with the cows or putting up hay. If he was caught up on all of his chores, he would start a project in the shop such as fixing up his antique tractors, welding/fabricating or woodworking.

Delbert was an active member at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel, where he served on the Building Committee and Parish Council. He was also a member of the American Legion, where he served as past membership chairman. He also served on the Knights of Columbus and Pleasant Valley Township Board.

Delbert passed away at his home on October 11, 2012 at the age of 73.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pauline; two brothers: Leonard and Edward; one nephew, Steven Rowan and his mother and father-in-law, Thomas and Clara Lydon.

Delbert is survived by his wife of 47 years, JoAnn; three sons: Mark (Jerri) of DeSmet, SD; Mike (Abby) of O'Neill, NE; and Jim (Kacie) of Burke, SD; three daughters: Janet (Jim) Frederick of Sisseton, SD; Carol (Jim) Sibbel of O'Neill, NE; and Amy (Eric) Rolland of Geddes, SD; six grandsons, eight granddaughters, one great-grandson, two sisters: Helen (Bob) Rowan of Mills, NE and Deloris (Ralph) Kirsch of Phoenix, AZ and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. There will be a rosary on Sunday at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the church.