Archived Services

Delphine Ann Wurtz
05-31-2020

Delphine Ann Wurtz passed away May 31, 2020. She was born June 5, 1937 in Tyndall, SD to George Sr. and Mable (Heise) Reining. Delphine grew up on a farm in Tabor, SD and graduated from Tabor High School in 1955. On February 14, 1956, Delphine married Joe Wurtz. This union was blessed with three children. Delphine earned an Associate’s Degree from Nettleton Business College and spent 25 years as the Executive Assistant for the superintendent of the Sioux Falls Public Schools at the Instructional Planning Center.

Delphine was a woman of faith and a devoted member of St. Joseph Cathedral. She attended daily Mass, was a reader, altar server, Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Legion of Mary, Cathedral Club, and Catholic Daughters. In 2011, Delphine was named Catholic Daughters “Mother of the Year.” She served others with endless hours of volunteer work. Delphine was also a founding member of the St. Francis House.

Delphine was an avid traveler. She traveled to six continents, 52 different countries, and 45 states including Hawaii, and Alaska. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, reading, and knitting. Delphine knitted and donated over 2,000 mittens for children from lower socioeconomic and culturally diverse populations.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son: Joe (Rachel) Wurtz, of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter: Rita Kocer of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter: Anita (BJ) Manning of Sioux Falls, SD; eight grandchildren: Joey, Emily, Charley, Haley, Casey, Katey, Mikey, and Montez (MJ); 13 great- grandchildren; sister: Jan Jacobs; and brothers: Pat Reining, Jerry Reining and Larry Reining. Delphine was preceded in death by her parents George Sr. and Mable Reining, brother George Reining, sisters, Darlene Bame and Donna Schellhouse.

Visitation will be Thursday June 4, 5:00 PM with a Scripture Vigil and a Catholic Daughters of the Americas Rosary at 6:30 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 5, 9:30 AM with reception to follow at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.