Delton Lee Almond, 77, passed away January 31, 2023 at his home in Alliance, Nebraska with his family by his side.
He was born September 12, 1945 in Huron, South Dakota to Earl and Mildred (Dague) Almond. He attended school in Huron before their family moved to Chamberlain, South Dakota where he graduated high school. He attended Huron College before starting his railroad career in Washington State with the Northern Pacific Railroad where he worked as a brakeman and conductor. His railroad career took him to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway, Alaska where he met his wife, Kay. They were united in marriage on April 3, 1971. From this union, three daughters were born. Del and Kay moved from Skagway to Alliance in 1977 where he completed his railroad career with Burlington Northern. Del was proud of his railroad career carrying out the duties of a fireman, conductor, engineer, and brakeman during his tenure. He was a proud union member. His career was cut short after 33 years due to illness.
Del enjoyed sports and excelled in a variety of individual and team sports. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed sharing his love of golf, card games, fishing, and sports with them. His survivors include his wife, Kay, daughters Kelly (Sean) Lowry of Omaha, Jennifer (Ryan) Gasseling of Hemingford, Beth Cook of North Platte, and grandchildren Karston Lowry, Natalie Gasseling, Lauren Gasseling, Hunter Cook, and Kennedi Cook. Del is also survived by siblings Norm (Debbie) Almond, Glenda (Randy) Hecht, Carol (Bruce) Lake, Rocky (Lonnie) Almond, Teresa (Dave) Schelle, sisters-in-law Linda Almond, June Almond, Jeanne Jordan, Linda (Tom) Hulst, brothers-in-law Robert (Gretchen) Kofler, Mike Williams, Jim Horning and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his daughter, Jill from his first marriage.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Earl and Mildred Almond, his wife’s parents Dorothy Kofler and Leo Kofler, brothers Doug Almond, Clinton Almond, Burt Almond, Robert Almond, sister Gleva Horning, brother-in-law Jack Jordan, sisters-in-law Robynn Almond, Judy Stone and Mary Williams, and son, Jeff from his first marriage.
The family extends a thank you to the Morrill County Community Hospital Home Health staff for their wonderful in home care during Del’s last stages of life. A special thank you to Jan Bayne for her care and support of Del.
Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army of Huron, South Dakota, the American Heart Association, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or an organization of the donor’s choice in Del’s honor.
Funeral services are planned at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance, Nebraska with a Rosary at 7 PM on Friday, February 10th, 2023 and a Mass of Christian burial at 10 AM on Saturday, February 11th, 2023. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery.