Delmar Eugene Schenk

Delmar Eugene Schenk was born to Cornelius and Johanna (Sandbulte) Schenk on March 10th 1931. He was born on a farm in Doon, Iowa. He was the last child born and had four siblings. He completed school from 1st-8th grade. His early years were spent learning in a one-room schoolhouse. He would arrive early to help his teacher by preparing the wood, that his family donated to the school to start the stove. Once his family moved to town, he then spent the rest of his schooling in a town school. At 14 years old, his parents decided to move the family to California. He even drove halfway in a 1938 Chevy. Once in California, his father purchased a home with a ranch consisting of 150 fryer chickens in Buena Park. Delmar helped raise these chickens.

His first full-time job was for Swiss Bell Poultry. He worked for them for 10 years, selling baby chicks. It was located on the corner of Rosecrans and Woodruff. Delmar met his loving wife of 72 years, Marlys Lokhorst while cruising Bellflower Blvd. They were married on March 8th 1951 and resided in Lakewood. God blessed Delmar and Marlys with four children: Gary, twins Diane & Dennis and Karen. He found passion working with wood and started working for Adler Construction, a local Bellflower Contractor, for 18 years. In 1958 they moved to Bellflower. He continued to use his carpentry skills to design and build their 3 family homes. After Adler Construction, he then became a self-employed Contractor for 19 years. He retired at 62 years old and turned his passion of working with wood into a hobby. He also enjoyed cheering for the Dodgers, riding his bike, having coffee with friends, golfing and traveling. Over the years, he enjoyed becoming a grandfather to 9 and great-grandfather to 16. The two most important things to him in life were his family and his faith to the Lord. He was a faithful and loyal member of Bethel Reformed Church and later Bethany CRC.

He is survived by his loving and precious Wife Marlys. His Children: Gary & Renee, Diane & Vic and Karen & Robert. His Grandchildren: Jason & Jessica, Nicole & Craig, Melissa & Michael, Andrew & Taryn, Matthew & Hilaire, Lauren, Kimberly & Jason, Heather & Daniel and Katrina & Rico. His Great-Grandchildren: Jake, Maddux, Nathan, Kirstin, Chase, Caleb, Bentley, Piper, Lilianne, Mason, Cody, Christian, Savanna, Clara, Kaden and Maverick. Proceeded in death by his parents, four siblings and son Dennis.

**Donations in Delmar’s name can be made to Artesia Christian Home. **