Delos Rune Nyberg

Delos Rune Nyberg (Del), aged 85, of Kenora passed away peacefully at home on August 12, 2024. Del was a lifelong Kenora resident, residing in Swedish Lakeside during his childhood and then on the Airport Road.

During his 34 years with the Ministry of Transportation, he worked his way up and retired as District Patrol Supervisor. He loved his job and driving. He was known as Wooden Foot because he maintained unwavering speed, right on the posted speed limit, without the use of cruise control. He maintained a perfect driving record until macular degeneration caused him to lose his license.

Del’s family meant everything to him. He fell in love with his wife, Ella, when he first spotted her at bible camp at the age of 10. Their romance blossomed in their late teens and they married in October 1960. They were a great team and they did almost everything together through the years. They built their house, raised two daughters and cared for 13 dogs and a cat during their almost 64 years. He was enormously proud of his four grandsons and would talk about their successes to anyone who would listen.

Del’s family was first and foremost, but dogs and his garden were tied for second. Del always had a minimum of one dog at his feet. Neighbours’, friends and family dogs visited the “Nyberg Spa” frequently, with many having to be carried to their owners’ vehicles when it was time to leave. From a young age, dogs followed him and he frequently collected dogs on his paper routes. In fact, the Kenora fire department dog routinely followed Del home from school and was picked up by his owner on his way home from work.

He was exceedingly humble about his gardens, but they were masterpieces. He grew seedlings in the house and later in his greenhouse to Ella’s delight. He had enormous vegetable gardens, grew pumpkins for children and flowers for enjoyment. He loved lilies and found deadheading petunias very therapeutic. Many people in Kenora were gifted with fresh vegetables and flower bouquets.

He will be missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Ella, his daughters Nadine (Maiko) and Tobi (Richard) and his four grandsons Andrew, Tyson (Brooklyn), Steven (Amy) and Joshua. He is survived by his brothers Myron (Ollie) and Sheldon and his sister-in-law Betty as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Mildred and Rune Nyberg, his brother Merrill and sister-in-law Lil.

The family would like to thank Dr. Wiebe, Dr. Olson and Dr. Wehner at the Keewatin Medical Clinic for all their support and care. Thank you to Mike Limerick for his compassion at a difficult time. Thank you so much to neighbour Rachel Wykes (our angel) for her love, care, concern, and medical assistance.

If you wish to honour Del, please consider a donation to the Manitoba Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Guide Dogs or a charity of your choice.