Delora Augustina Klaus was born on June 29, 1926, in Zap, ND to Teoleda and Reinhold Klaus. She was the second oldest of 5 children.
During her childhood Delora helped cook, clean and care for her younger siblings. The abundance of her father’s large garden was the beginning of Delora’s lifelong love of vegetables.
After graduation from Zap High School in 1944, Delora followed a friend to San Diego, CA to work at Consolidated Vultee Aircraft (Convair) as a “Rosie the Riveter” for the war effort. When she wasn’t working, Delora danced the night away in the Jitterbug Jungle. Delora was a faithful pen pal to classmates serving overseas during WW2.
Delora returned to ND in 1945. After the war she met Jack (Jacob Frederick) Nathan through mutual friends. Delora responded firmly to Jack’s proposal of marriage with, “Anyone interested in marrying me must be baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church.” Jack happily complied. They were married on October 5, 1946, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Zap, ND.
Delora and Jack raised their family of 3 sons in Bismarck, ND. They taught their sons about faith in Christ, especially through the tenacity of Delora who made sure that her teenaged sons attended Confirmation Class! Missing church, Sunday School, or other church functions was simply not allowed. Delora and Jack were among the founding members of Faith Lutheran Church in Bismarck.
Spending time with her large extended family was important to Delora throughout her life. Next to the Bible and living her Christian faith, family was most important to her. Delora loved to gather with family to play “Hand and Foot” and enjoy a beer along with a generous variety of snacks or a meal. Delora was an accomplished cook and often made German dishes. Those recipes have been handed down through generations.
Delora referred to herself as a gypsy, happiest when traveling with Jack through the US and Europe. Much of their travel was done in their motor home, and often included their grandchildren.
As Jack and Delora’s family grew to include daughters-in-law and grandchildren, Delora reveled in tending to all. Tiny toothbrushes were hung in the bathroom cupboard, awaiting a visit from a grandchild. The kitty cat cookie jar, always full, was kept in reach of small hands. On many occasions, Delora had a needle and thread or an iron at the ready to rescue one of her undomesticated daughters-in-law!
In their later years, Delora and Jack made Mesa, AZ their permanent home where Delora and Jack were founding members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ.
Delora was a woman with strong convictions and opinions. But wrapped within that was a loving woman who laughed often. When asked her age as she advanced in years, she always said with a smile, “I’m 29”, even though her beautiful white hair told a different story!
Delora taught us faith and how to endure hard times. We learned life lessons from her that we will cherish and pass on.
Delora was preceded in death by her husband Jack, parents Reinhold and Teoleda Klaus, brothers LeRoy, Alvin, and Calvin Klaus and sister Mardella Aanderud as well as numerous aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters-in-law.
Delora is survived by Jerome (Sharon) Nathan of Bettendorf, IA and a step-granddaughter Shelli (Larry) Meyer and great-step grandchildren Jonathan and Kathryn of Louisville, CO. Kevin (Lee) Nathan of Mesa, AZ and grandson Carl Nathan and great-grandson James Nathan, Step-Grandchildren Robert Lofendo and Gina Lofendo, 6 Step-great grandchildren and 4 step-great, great grandchildren. Kirk (Mary) Nathan of Bloomington, IL and Erin Nathan and great-grandson Warren of Chicago, IL and Jacob (Phoebe) Nathan of Las Vegas, NV. Brothers-in-law Ben Nathan (Glenda), Richard Nathan and sister-in-law Helen Jones.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date.
Internment will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetary.
Memorials to a charity of your choice in Delora Nathan’s name, are preferred.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Nathan family.
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