Delbert "Del" J. Laffen

Delbert “Del” James Laffen, 86, of Jamestown, ND passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at his home in Jamestown.

Del was born on a farm in rural Edgeley, ND to Fred and Mary Alice Laffen.  He attended Edgeley Public School, graduating in 1953.  Upon graduation he worked for Standard Oil agent, Bus Pruett.

He married Ruby Fode, July 7, 1957 at Jud Methodist Church.  They lived in Edgeley a brief time and moved to Wimbledon, ND in January 1958, where he worked as Bulk agent for Standard Oil.  In 1976, they bought the Standard Oil Station and transitioned into Laffen Oil Co., with Amoco Oil Products.  Ruby worked as bookkeeper.  They retired in June 1997.

Del and Ruby enjoyed their morning coffee groups and traveling the United States with friends.  They moved to Jamestown, ND in September 2018.

Del was baptized and confirmed in Zion Lutheran Church, Edgeley, ND.  He was in the National Guards from 1956-1959.  Del was active in many civic organizations.  He was a life-time fireman and an American Legion member.  In 1971, he appeared in the edition of “Outstanding Young Men of America”, for professional and community leadership.  He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he taught Bible class, ushered and was Treasurer for 50 years.

Del enjoyed golf, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku and reading.  He loved family gatherings and especially our yearly family reunions at Chase Lodge in Walker, MN.  He loved life and family and was especially happy in the brief years in Jamestown.

Del was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gerald, son, Lonnie, two brothers-in-law Charles Podoll, Edward Duden, and one sister-in-law Betty Toay.  Del is survived by his wife Ruby, Jamestown; two children Babbi (Mike) Sizer and Paula (Larry) Kleinknecht, both of Jamestown; grandchildren, Jesse (Brooke), Ryan (Anna) and Christopher (Kelsey) Laffen, Karessa (Jesse) Arbuckle, Ashley (Matt) Bittner, and Jill (Jeremy), Jenny, Kory Kleinknecht; three great-grandchildren, Kenzington, Livy and Krew Arbuckle; one daughter-in-law, Pam Laffen, Grand Forks, ND; one sister Mary June Podoll and two sisters-in-law, Dee Laffen, Helen Duden; one brother-in-law, Don Toay.

Memorials preferred to Prairie View Cemetery, Wimbledon, ND, American Legion LaBrash Altringer Post# 236 or charity of your choice.

Family will be receiving friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.  Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Monday, November 22 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wimbledon, ND with Pastor Robert Hill officiating.  Interment will be in Prairie View Cemetery, Wimbledon, ND.

Eddy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.