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Mary (Babe) Delphine Demers, 90, of Storm Lake passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025.
Funeral mass will take place Monday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 23, from 5-7 p.m. with Vigil Service starting at 7 p.m. followed by Rosary, all at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
Born on Aug. 1, 1934, in Buck Grove, Crawford County, Iowa, Babe was the daughter of James Bernard and Mary (Bauman) Duncan.
Babe's life was deeply rooted in faith and community. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison, where she also attended school through the eighth grade. With a strong sense of responsibility, Babe began working at the age of 14, taking on various jobs to assist her family. She graduated from Denison High School in 1953. Following graduation she pursued her passion for cosmetology, attending Elless Beauty School in Sioux City, graduating in June 1954. She then moved to Storm Lake, where she worked at Ritches Beauty Salon until 1958.
On Aug. 5, 1957, Delphine married Louis Demers Jr. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Together, they built a life on the family farms north and east of Storm Lake, raising five children: Julie, Jackie, Joleen, Jeannie and Jim. Delphine and Louis were devoted members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. The couple cherished watching their children participate in sports throughout all seasons, hosting lively card club gatherings, enjoying the excitement of the county fairs, and gathering for cherished family dinners after Sunday Mass.
After losing Louis, her beloved husband, best friend and the love of her life in 1986, Delphine demonstrated remarkable resilience, channeling her dedication to family and community into a long and fulfilling career. She served with warmth and grace at The Woman’s Shop and Osweiler on Lake Avenue until her retirement. Beyond her work, she remained a constant source of support for her grandchildren, actively cheering them on at countless sporting events and activities, her love and encouragement unwavering. Louis, the love of her life, was always in her heart as she continued to build a life filled with love and service.
In her retirement, Delphine moved to the Chautauqua Park condos, where she found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished her time spent walking by the lake, reading, praying the rosary, playing cards or sudoku, and, most importantly, spending time with her beloved family.
Delphine's legacy is carried on by her four daughters and son: Julie (Dave) Melohn, Jackie (Lance) Wedeking, Joleen (John) Brown, Jeannie (Mark) Henningsen and Jim (Patti) Demers.
She leaves behind a large and loving family, including 17 grandchildren: Kelly (Patrick) Williams, Kyle (Breanna) Melohn, Amy (Dan) Halfman, Jill (Zach) Williams, Ray (Kelle) Wedeking, Katie (Jacob) Wynn, Kaisha (Brent) Heemskerk, Mary (Kyle) Lundy, Paul (Emily) Brown, Billy Brown, Anna Brown, Jordan Henningsen (fiance Dakota Schafer), Jalen Henningsen, Austin Demers, Jasmine (Devon) Van Houten, Michael Demers and Danika Demers; and 21 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Kathryn Erickson and Bernadine Tegels; sister-in-law Linda Duncan; and brother-in-law Phil Didier; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Delphine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis Demers Jr.; her parents, James Bernard and Mary (Bauman) Duncan; her brothers, James Duncan and Louis and Evelyn (Stormer) Duncan; her sister Norene (Duncan) Didier; in-laws: Don Tegels, Louis and Margaret (McGarry) Demers, Dale and Joan (Demers) Martin, Duane Demers and James and Janet (Demers) Hartman.
Delphine's gentle spirit, unwavering faith and deep love for her family will be dearly missed.
