Obituary of Delores Mae Popma

    Delores Mae Popma, daughter of Ivan Kenneth and Freda Marie (Klever) Dather, was born August 22, 1928, in Melvin, IA, the oldest of six children. She attended public school at Melvin and graduated in 1945 at the age of 16. She furthered her education at Sheldon Junior College in Sheldon, IA and taught in the country school system in Osceola County for two years.

    In 1948, Delores was united in marriage to Carol Heitritter; they became the parents of Kenneth, Paul, James, Rachel and Todd. The marriage dissolved in 1968, at which point Delores and the two youngest children moved to Sanborn, IA. Delores enrolled at NWICC in Sheldon in pursuit of a clerical degree. In 1970, she was employed as Deputy Clerk of District Court in O’Brien County, a position she thoroughly enjoyed until her retirement in December 1993. Four months later, she was hired by the college in Sheldon (now called NCC) to institute a new program entitled “Volunteers for NCC”. Initially, her role in the program was slated for about 12 months, instead, it evolved into another enjoyable job which lasted over 20 years. In 1972, Delores married Norman J. Popma of Scottland SD; they divorced in 1986.

    Delores was a member of the First Reformed Church in Sanborn as well as the American Legion Auxiliary in Melvin; currently, volunteering at the Treasure Chest in Sheldon. Delores loved to laugh. In fact, she was a Certified Clown named “Bubbles”, entertaining young and old alike in community parades and events. She loved attending her children and grandchildren’s activities and was very proud of each of them. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, dancing, theatre, traveling and lots of music. Delores had been a vocal soloist at many weddings and funerals in the area, always thankful to God for the gift of her musical talents. She was also a wonderful cook, sharing her recipes and homemade cuisine with her family.

    On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Delores passed from this life at the age of 96 years. She is once again reunited with her parents; her son, James “Jimmy”; grandson-in-law, Cory; siblings: Doug Dather, Marilyn Ocando, Gari Dather, and Ramona Baker; and her two husbands: Carol Heitritter and Norm Popma.

    She is survived by her children: Ken (Ellie) Heitritter of Port Charlotte, FL, Paul (Joyce) Heitritter of Melvin, IA, Rachel (Wray J.) Wright of Whiting, IA, and Todd (Anita) Heitritter of Archer, IA; 19 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Sandra (Fred) Eichorn; and sister-in-law, Colleen Dather.