Delbert G. Knowlen

Delbert G. Knowlen, 67, of Moorhead, died Sunday, October 22, 2006, in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN.Delbert was born on September 6, 1939 to James and Ruth Barton Knowlen in Bismarck, ND. He grew up and attended school in Bismarck. When Delbert was five years old his father died. At the age of twelve, he and his siblings were scattered across North Dakota into foster homes as their mother was unable to care for all the children following their father's death. Delbert lived with his foster parents, Howard and Mildred Robinson and their two sons, Jay and Roy, in Stirrum, ND until the age of seventeen. In September of 1957, he went to the Wahpeton School of Science, graduating with his two year degree in Auto Mechanics. On September 26, 1958 he was honorably discharged from the North Dakota Air National Guard. On September 8, 1959 he was honorably discharged from the United States Navy. In May 1964, Delbert married Darlene Anderson, together they had four children. Delbert retired in 1994. Prior to his stay at the VA he was a resident at Moorhead Manor for 5 years. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.He is survived by two sons, Mark Joni Knowlen of Kindred, ND, Mike Barb Knowlen of Oriskany Falls, NY; two daughters, Marsha Ron Larson of Moorhead, MN, Debbie Mike Dickson of Fargo, ND; two brothers, Joe Ruth Knowlen of Bismarck, ND, Jim Debbie Knowlen of Tulsa, OK; three sisters, Emma John Smith of Tulsa, OK, Caroline Wayne Paulson of Omaha, NE, Grace Knowlen of Wishek, ND; twelve grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, Steven, Stephanie, Jessica, Kerry, Brittani, Bryce, Chase, MacKenzie, Christian and Liberty; and two great-grandchildren, Dominick and Hailee.He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, John, Russell, Norman and William.