Del was born in Newcastle, IN. Del spent Plebe and Youngster years in the 11th Company and switched to the 5th Company for our remaining two years. 

Upon graduation he served on ALGOL (AKA 54), BEGOR (APD 127) and BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA 31).  Del then resigned from the Navy and enrolled in Oberlin School of Theology, simultaneously starting his chaplaincy with the Naval Reserve. Upon graduation he returned to active duty as a chaplain, serving at several locations including duty with frontline Marine units in Vietnam. His commendations include: Navy Commendation Medal with bronze “V”, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal (with 3 stars) plus Fleet Marine Force Combat Insignia.

In June 1970 Del left active duty and became employed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, retiring in 1999.  In that capacity he was involved in philanthropic endeavors such as volunteer chaplain and with minimum wage and child support cases. Del departed this world on 11 September 2005.  The cause was complications from diabetes. He is survived by his wife, Miriam; son, Stephen; daughters, Nadine, Cathi and Karen; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his mother, Ruth Kidder; one brother and three sisters. All who knew Delbert, will remember him as a man of Faith, Philanthropy and Service.