Delores Ann Vastenhout was born April 28, 1955 in Sioux Center, Iowa to Cornie and Winne (Van Holland) Vander Vliet. She attended elementary school in Iowa and then completed her education in Luverne, MN. After high school, she attended Vocational School in Pipestone, MN to become a legal secretary. Following vocational school, she married Craig Vastenhout at the American Reformed Church in Luverne, MN and they made their home for many years near Leota, MN. Delores worked many years at the Magnolia Steak House and Monogram Meat Snacks as well as being a housewife and helping on the farm. Delores enjoyed cooking, gardening and spending time with her family. She was a faithful Christian and member of the Bethel Reformed Church in Leota and also taught Sunday School for many years. Delores was a loving wife, mom, and grandma. Her two grandchildren were the light of her life.

Delores was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and fought a courageous battle and was cancer free for over a year. In early 2013, she fought a battle against Guillain Barre and in October 2013 she was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Delores was a true fighter. Despite her many trials, she never gave up on fighting the cancer and always had a positive attitude. She was known for her contagious smile and laugh. She had a kind heart and was a very caring and loving person. She was an inspiration to everyone around her and will be forever missed.

Delores will be lovingly remembered by her husband Craig; two daughters and their husbands, Christy (Jeremy) Menning of Hartford, SD and Nicole (Ken) Decker of Yankton, SD; two grandchildren, Parker and Macy Menning; her mother, Winnie Vander Vliet of Luverne, MN; one brother, Dwayne (Brenda) Vander Vliet of Luverne, MN; four sisters, Lois (Bruce) Beukema of Hayfield, MN, Connie (Giles) Hudson of The Colony, TX, Marilyn (Mark) Long of Larchwood, IA and Deb (Rick) Renken of Omaha, NE, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her father, Cornie Vander Vliet and brother Larry Vander Vliet.

---