Delores Ochs

Delores Marie Ochs, of Granite Falls, passed away Monday, July 24, 2023 at the Granite Falls Care Center at the age of 81.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 4, 2023 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Anderson – TeBeest Funeral Home in Granite Falls with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 PM.  Pastor John McCosh  will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Dementia Society of America.

Arrangements are with Anderson – TeBeest Funeral Home of Granite Falls.  www.andersontebeest.com

Born on February 17, 1942, in George, IA, Delores was known for her kindness, selflessness, and thoughtfulness.

Delores grew up on a farm in rural Dawson, she was 1 of 13 children in her family and attended Dawson schools.   She married Don Ochs in 1961 while living in Canby, then moved to Olivia where they made their home for 20 years.  Doing daycare, working at The Sheep Shedde Inn and other jobs kept her busy.  In 1982 they moved to Montevideo where they spent 37 years living in the area.  

Her strong work ethic and dedication led her to manage the Montevideo Food-n-Fuel for many years & the Amoco store, where she was known by many.   Later, she and her husband, Don, worked in road construction for McLaughlin & Schulz for several years. Regardless of the task at hand, Delores always approached her work with a positive attitude and a smile.

Delores had a deep love for nature, particularly flowers. Indoors and outdoors, she always had a room full of them and a beautiful yard full of a variety of flowers. Her roses were her pride and joy. Delores also enjoyed bird watching and tending to her garden, finding peace and tranquility in these simple pleasures. When not working or tending to her garden, Delores and her husband, Don, cherished their winters in Arizona, escaping the snow and cold of Minnesota.  She loved being able to travel there in their RV each year.  But also enjoyed when it was time to come home to see her family.

Delores is survived by her husband, Don Ochs of Granite Falls; sons, Bruce (Nancy) Ochs, Michael (Betty) Ochs and Steven Ochs; daughter, Tammy (Chuck) Louwagie; grandchildren, Melissa (Tom) Podratz, Ryan Ochs (Lori Rennecke), Christina Ochs, Shawna Ochs (Dan Lee), Brandon Ochs, Kayla Ochs (Stevie Tierney), Hunter Nelson, Jaidyn Nelson, Devon Louwagie, Bryce Louwagie, Lane (Kennar) Louwagie, Sheldon Louwagie, Eden Louwagie and Hope Louwagie; sisters, Ilene Lehmann, Bonnie (Rod) Portele, Judy (Roger) Mead, Shirley (Mel) Svoboda, and Debra (Duane) Mead; 8 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Mike Erp; and several other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Irene Harberts; father and mother-in-law, Alfred and Bernice Ochs; siblings, Beverly (Jerry) Willis, Cheryl Erp, Douglas (Kay) Harberts, Roger (Carol) Harberts, Dennis Harberts, Linda (Roger) Tollakson and Curtis (Linda) Harberts; brother-in-law, Duane Lehman; and son-in-law, Stan Nelson.

Delores will be remembered for her love for her family, her passion for flowers and gardening, that reflected her love for nature and life. Delores's life was a testament to her strength and resilience. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with. Delores Marie Ochs will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.