Delores Mae Schwanke

Delores Mae Schwanke, age 78, of Sanborn, MN, died on August 27, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lamberton, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a rosary beginning at 10:30am. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Lamberton. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Delores Mae Sax was born on November 9, 1947, in Marshall, MN, the daughter of Bradford William Sax, Sr. and Donna Mae (Compain) Sax. She grew up in Richfield, MN, and graduated from Richfield High School. After school, Delores enlisted in the U.S. Navy proudly serving her county from 1965 -1968 as an air control operator at Patuxent, Maryland, Naval Air Station. Delores married the love of her life Bernel Schwanke on September 20, 1969, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lamberton. She was a devoted nurse beginning her career in Lamberton at Valleyview Manor and ending at St. John Lutheran Nursing Home after 36 years of caring for others. Throughout the years Delores served on many organizations – 31 years on the American Legion, 56 years on the Legion Auxiliary, gardening club, a member of the CCW, and was a religious education teacher. Above all – Delores adored her family. She spent many days fishing with her aunt Doris, countless hours visiting with her aunt Betty, and looked forward to the days on the farm with her nephews. Delores loved attending the grandchildren’s events, spending time with the great grandkids, and cherished every memory that was made with each of them. For the last three and a half years, Bernel and Delores have enjoyed passing their time together looking out their large picture windows of their home at all the wildlife that passed by.

Left to cherish her memory – husband, Bernel; daughters Kim and Tammy (Brian) Nepple; grandchildren – Alexis Gutz (Seth), Hailey Nepple (fiancé Cory Anderson), and great grandchildren – Tillman, Parker, Baylor, Baby Anderson due in January. Delores was preceded in death by her parents Bradford and Donna Mae, siblings – Barbara Jankord, Bradford Sax, Jr., Dennis Sax, in-laws Lyle and Florence Schwanke and her aunts and uncles.