Delmer Lee Jons was born January 31, 1925 in his family's home in rural Bonesteel, South Dakota to Arthur and Alma (Vetter) Jons.  He passed away June 21, 2016 at Sanford Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 91 years.  Most of his family had just spent Father's Day with him two days earlier.

Delmer attended grade school at Pleasant Valley Country School and Bonesteel High School, graduating in 1943.  Recently Delmer had shared many of his stories of growing up in the Dust Bowl days.  He talked of all the horses they had and how hard they worked.

Delmer met the love of his life, JoAnn Cerny, in 1950 at a St. Patrick's Day dance in Bonesteel and they were engaged soon after.  In 1951 he was drafted into the Army and served 21 months in the Korean War.  After his discharge, he married JoAnn and bought a quarter of land and its buildings from her parents.  It was on this small dairy farm that they raised their 14 children.

For many years Delmer faithfully attended church, first as a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bonesteel and later during the beginning years of raising his family, attending the United Church of Christ in Naper, Nebraska.

Dad was a quiet man of faith.  He loved his family and it showed in how hard work to be a good provider.  Just a few of the many precious memories include Dad always bringing home the groceries, working hard in the field all day, milking cows, and singing to lots of music he played.  He spent a lot of time gardening.  Education was important to Dad.  He was proud that all of his children were able to get a college degree.  A legacy Dad left us includes many beautiful tulips, gladiolas, star gazers, and other flowers around the house and yard.  We will miss you so much Dad, and love you for all that you were!

Delmer is survived by his wife of 64 years, JoAnn; children: Paula (John Brown), Lorna, Julie, Brenda (Ed Murtha), Eldon (Robin), Janet (Joe Pistulka), Arlyn, Verlyn (Dana), Barb, Lisa (Russ Wright), Galen (DJ), Patty (Ed Bowers), LeAnn (Maurice Cox), Gordon (Rhiannon), his grandchildren: Brittany Brown, Bryan Brown, Jeff Isenberg, Dan Murtha, David Murtha (Justine), Erin Murtha (Sean Hartka), Mateya Murtha, Christopher Pistulka, Alex Pistulka, Heather Kitzan (Josh), Paul Jons, Curt Jons, Andrew Jons, Matthew Jons, Katie Wright, Allen Wright, Logan Bowers, Lucas Bowers, Josie Cox, Jill Cox, Toby Cox, Tate Cox, Jenna Cox, Ty Cox, Abigail Jons, and Amos Jons; his great-grandchild, Isen Kitzan.  Other survivors include his brother, Malvern and wife Alice, sister Elaine Kurtz and husband Bob, sister-in-law Rose Marie Cerny and many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant grandson Michael Pistulka and his brother Harley, and brother-in-law James Cerny.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the UCC Church in Naper, NE.  Burial will be in the Knollcrest Cemetery, Naper.  There will be a prayer service on Monday at 7:00 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD.  Visitation will be one hour prior to both services.