Deloris Rose Von Nordheim

Deloris Rose Schmitt was born on a small farm outside the small town of Waverly, South Dakota in the spring of 1924. She reminisced fondly of horse-drawn sleigh rides to mass on Christmas Eve, of gathering fresh eggs in the morning and helping her mother can fruits and vegetables to store for the winter. She attended a small country school where she developed a deep love of learning and a yearning to explore more of the big wide world. As much as she loved the peace of the open farm fields and acres of waving grasses, life on the farm also brought with it the vicissitudes of blistering drought and freezing blizzards resulting in periods of great trial and scarcity. When it was time for high school her favorite Aunt Betty Fenton offered to bring her to Anamosa, Iowa for her high school years. Deloris flourished, becoming an A student and Homecoming Queen of Anamosa High School in 1942. There she formed several life long friendships.

After graduation she accompanied her aunt on various trips throughout the United States which fed her desire to understand more about the world in which she lived. At that same time she met and married James H. Feuling from nearby Watertown, South Dakota. They settled in San Diego, Ca. He joined the navy and she became a navy wife for the duration of World War II. Their marriage brought about the births of their five children---Jim Jr., John, Julie, Jan and Joe--five J’s! The family later settled in La Mesa Ca.

As her children matured, Deloris returned to school and received her Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. She studied Liberal Arts, writing and gerontology. After graduation, she worked for the San Diego Ecumenical Council to aid the community in developing interfaith relations.

In 1986 Deloris met and married Lesley H. Von Nordheim. In the course of their marriage, they traveled the entire world together, researched their ancestry, and toured the country in their motor home. Deloris also delighted in sharing Bud’s activities related to rebuilding and touring in his antique cars. Bud and Deloris developed a deep and compassionate love for one another.

Later in life, Deloris authored a book titled: A Passage Through Dust-Pioneer Eastern Dakota. It describes her life and times as a small farm-girl in Waverly. The book also provides a detailed family tree. Certainly Deloris never could have imagined the sights she would see and experience, from India to Alaska to the Antarctic with her wonderful husband Bud. She instilled the value of education in her family. She took pride in the academic and career accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by a loving husband, 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.