Crookston – Delbert Vernon Schlapkohl, of Crookston, passed away on September 5, 2025.
He was born August 16, 1947, in Luverne, MN to Vernon and Eunice (Brockberg) Schlapkohl, the oldest of six siblings. He was baptized at Trosky Lutheran Church. Delbert grew up on the family farm and helped with the livestock, dairy cows and tending the crops. He also worked for many local farmers until he graduated from high school.
Delbert attended Verdi Public School and graduated in 1965. In high school, he was active in football, basketball and choir. From there, he went to Canby Vocational School for one year to study accounting. Delbert enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966. He was stationed aboard the USS Hancock CVA19 as an RM3, off the coast of Japan.
After four years of service in the Navy, Delbert returned home to Canby, MN where he began his career with local Cenex Cooperatives. He worked as an office credit manager at various Cenex locations throughout Minnesota until 1999. From there, he managed the Northland Inn in Crookston until he retired in 2009. During his retirement years, he worked part-time at a convenience store in Crookston for 14 years.
Delbert enjoyed many summers camping at Bagley Park Campground. He also enjoyed tinkering in his garage with woodworking projects, making each of his grandchildren a toy box. Delbert also filled his time fishing, playing cards, watching the MN Vikings and Twins and he loved his morning coffee.
His signature cowboy hat and boots made him unforgettable when you met him!
Delbert is survived by his children, Brian Schlapkohl of Hendrum, and Dawn (Jeremy) Paulsrud of Hillsboro, ND; four grandchildren, Laura, Emma, Jack and Allyson; three brothers, Darwin Schlapkohl (and his friend Mary), Canby, MN, Daryl Schlapkohl, Lake Benton, MN and Daniel Schlapkohl (and his friend Dena), Bozeman, MT; one sister, Carolyn Willert, Brookings, SD; and several nieces and nephews.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Duane; brother-in-law, Robert Willert; and sisters-in-law, Diane Schlapkohl and Carol Schlapkohl.
Delbert’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home from 5–7 p.m. His family will hold an additional visitation on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Hartquist Funeral Home (320 2nd Ave SW, Pipestone, MN) from 1–3 p.m. with interment in St. John Immanuel Cemetery in Verdi, MN.
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