Donald Edward Delzer

Donald E. Delzer, 78, of Mina, SD, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Avantara Redfield.

Donald's wishes were to be cremated, and no formal services are to be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is honored to serve the Delzer family. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Donald “Don” E. Delzer was born on March 5, 1948, to Edgar and Deloris (Adams) Delzer in Ethan, SD. Don grew up on the family farm, second of nine children: Dewayne, Irene, Jean, Jim, Glen, Linda, LeRoy, Elaine, and Rhonda. He attended local schools and graduated from Ethan High School in 1966.

After high school, Don and cousin Darrel moved to Portland, OR. There he met and fell in love with Janice Adams. They were married on June 22, 1968. Shortly after, Don was drafted into the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for the USPS in Vancouver, WA, from 1971 to 1977. Don and Jan welcomed their sons Jeffrey and Chad in 1971 and 1973, respectively.

In 1978, Don had the opportunity to expand his desire for independence in his employment by becoming the owner of a sanitation company, which he named Delzer Sanitation in Carson, WA. The business flourished, expanding into numerous local areas with the help of Jan, who ran the office, and his brother Glen, who assisted in operations. In 1981, the opportunity to sell the business came about.

This began a new chapter in Don and Jan’s lives. The family moved back to South Dakota, choosing to make Mina, SD their home. It was here that Don and Jan established their family farm. Don’s brother Glen and his sons Jeff and Chad assisted with farming and livestock. Also, at this time, Don began expanding his independent business talents again, this time as a contractor and carpenter. First, by building homes, garages, and pole barns in the Aberdeen and surrounding areas, and eventually opened Delzer Construction with Glen, Jeff, and Chad. As interests shifted, Glen and Chad began families of their own, and Jeff took over Delzer Construction, moving later to North Carolina, where it continues to thrive. Around 1997, the business allowed Don and Jan to travel the country doing finish work for new motel builds. They traveled extensively, visiting places they had always talked and dreamed of seeing. They both enjoyed traveling very much, and it allowed them to transition to retirement before fully retiring.

After retirement around 2015, Don and Jan spent cherished time with grandchildren and catching up with extended family. Over time, Don spent more time home caring for Jan as her dementia advanced. Don also enjoyed restoring antique John Deere tractors.

Survived and grateful to have shared Don’s life are his beloved wife, Janice; sons, Jeff E. Delzer of Pittsboro, NC, and Chad D. (Sharyce Green) Delzer of Westport, SD; grandson, Tucker J. (Paige Deilke) Delzer of Aberdeen, SD; siblings: Dewayne (Cynthia) Delzer of Canton, SD, Irene (Leo) Thury of Parkston, SD, Jean (Bob) Schoenfelder of Dimock, SD, Jim (Tara) Delzer of Rapid City, SD, Glen (Cheryl) Delzer of Sturgis, SD, Linda Putnam of Mitchell, SD, LeRoy (Cindy) Delzer of Rapid City, SD, Elaine (Brian) Winter of Mitchell, SD, and Rhonda (Rick) Hartman of Mitchell, SD. Don was also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edger and Deloris Delzer, and Damion Putnam and Brandon Delzer.