Delores Margaret Wiisanen

Delores M. Wiisanen, 97, of Moorhead, MN, passed away at Farmstead Care with family by her side on January 4th, 2025. Delores was born on September 24th, 1927, to William and Mathilda VanVleet in Kimball, MN where she grew up and graduated from high school in 1945. Delores attended St. Cloud State before moving to Minneapolis and working at Land O’Lakes. 

On July 31st, 1948, Delores married Evert Wiisanen in Kimball, MN and they made their first home in Minneapolis, MN. In 1952, they moved to Moorhead, MN to raise their family and quickly became active members of the community. Although Evert was known as the sports enthusiast, you would always find Delores by his side at Moorhead Spud and MSUM Dragon athletic events. She was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Moorhead Country Club, Christian Mothers, and she volunteered at MeritCare (now Sanford), and was also an election poll worker. 

Delores started golfing and downhill skiing when she turned 50, she enjoyed dancing, and most of all she loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy. 

Delores will be remembered mostly by her love of family, her feistiness, and her sense of humor which she carried with her to the end. Delores kept us entertained with her wit throughout the years and it’s hard to imagine a world without her. 

Delores is survived by her daughter, Diana (William) Christianson, Bloomington, MN; son, Ron (Vicki) Wiisanen, Fargo, ND; daughter, Pam Wiisanen Gronbeck (Brian Kuehl), Moorhead, MN; daughter, Denise (Jeff) Kamstra, Fargo, ND. Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren: Stephanie (Jason) Yoraway, sons Brandon and Tyler; Matthew Wiisanen (Kelly Brogan), daughters Maya, Anya, and son Kai; Michael (Devon) Wiisanen, sons Dane and Gavin; Amanda (Josh) Kadrmas, daughters Zoey, Quinn, and Mallory; Jeffrey (Keiran) Wiisanen, sons Grayson, Keegan, and daughter Elin; Kyle (Samantha) Gronbeck, son Gabe; Jenna Johnson; and Sean Kamstra. 

Delores is preceded in death by her husband Evert Wiisanen, parents William and Mathilda VanVleet, and four siblings. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., followed by the Wake Service at 6:00 P.M., Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Visitation will continue from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M., Monday, January 13, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Delores' webpage. A graveside service will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead, MN. 

The family would like to thank the Farmstead staff and Sanford Hospice for the exceptional levels of care they provided Delores when she needed it most. Memorials can be sent to Sanford Hospice.