Delwin Jay Berghuis

          Delwin Jay Berghuis, 92, of Park Rapids, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

          Del was born on September 15, 1926, at the family farm in Rheiderland Twp, near Clara City, MN.  He was baptized on November 15, 1926, at the Christian Reformed Church of Prinsburg, MN.  He attended school through the 8^th grade at which time he went to work as a heavy equipment operator for Berghuis Construction.  Del joined the Navy in December 1944.  He achieved the rank of Machinist Mate 3^rd Class with the SEABEES.  He was proud to be of service to his country.  Upon discharge in 1946 he returned to work for his father’s road construction company which he would eventually own and operate with his brother, Henry.  On September 2, 1950, he married Delores Prekker.  To this union, four children were born. 

          Del enjoyed big game hunting, particularly in Wyoming, with his family and with his friends.  He was an avid traveler and thought nothing of taking his kids out of school to go on vacation.  In 1976, he purchased Sunset Lodge on Potato Lake in Park Rapids.  He continued to operate the resort until he retired at the age of 82.  Del thoroughly enjoyed operating Sunset Lodge and it showed.  He was instrumental in creating a lifetime of memories for many families.

          On December 5, 1981, he married Lois Schultz and gained four step-children.  Del and Lois traveled across the United States in their RV.  In 1992, they began spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona.  There he was content to sit in the sun and play golf.  Still sight-seeing on the way to and from Mesa.

          Del is survived by his wife, Lois; children: Brad (Faye), Tom (Rosemary), Joe (Vicki), and Judy (Randy Cadwell); stepchildren Calvin (Sally) Schultz, Holly Kirschman, Patrick Schultz, and Mike (Mary) Schultz; 21 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.

          Del was preceded in death by eight siblings and his parents.

          Funeral services will be held Friday, November 2, 2018, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at the church.  Visitation will be on Thursday, November 1, 2018, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

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