At her home in Huron, South Dakota, with family by her side, Della Fay (Fanger) Wilken breathed her last breath on Friday, November 13, 2020.  Her spirit was lifted to the heavens that day to be with her parents, Walter G. and Inez (Burger) Fanger; her husband, Duane Wilken; her sisters, Rose and Alice; and her brother, Walt.  She is survived by her children, John Horn of Huron, Julie (Dan) Geiger of Watertown, Minnesota, Jeff Wilken of Arlington, Minnesota; Duane's children, Brian (Dolores) Wilken and Melissa Buus, all of Huron; her brother, Warren (Diane) Fanger of West Jordan, Utah; her sister, Bess (Rolly) Aman of Aberdeen; eleven grandchildren, Tracy, Devin, Bingle, Chris, Whitney, Wade, Avalon, Mercedes, Krystal, Dustin and Kelsea; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Della lived her life to the fullest starting the day she was born on May 26, 1942, in Pierre, South Dakota.  She graduated from Miller High School in 1960 engaging in many activities with her friends both in school and outside of classes.  Her yearbooks were full of hope and encouragement.  She worked many different jobs after graduating and most recently had a bookkeeping job at Roth Storage and Rental with her long-time friend, Rose Roth.  She also worked at Cook Seed with Duane whom she married on August 27, 1982.

Bowling, camping, dancing, playing cards, gardening and just being with friends and family were all favorite activities of Della's.  First United Methodist Church was also a very important part of her life.  She had many friends at the church and was very involved there.  She also practiced her faith in God and Jesus Christ daily.  It helped her through her tough days after her back surgery and throughout her life.  She was truly blessed and will be missed by many.

Della's graveside service was held at 3:30 PM, Tuesday, November 17, at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery.

View Della's Floral Arrangements