Delbert M. Porter

Delbert M. Porter

Delbert Melvin Porter, 90, of Fort Dodge, died Sunday, May 31, 2009 at the Trinity Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stephen Bibb officiating.  Interment will be in the North Lawn Cemetery.  Military honors will be conducted by the Walter Porsch VFW Post 1856.  Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2009 at the Bruce-Graham Funeral Home.  A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday night.

Delbert was born April 14, 1919 the son of Robert and Linnie (Messerly) Porter in Colfax Township, Webster County.  He attended country school and graduated from the Fort Dodge High School with the class of 1938.  On January 12, 1939 Delbert was united in marriage to Elaine “Billie” Treloar.

On April 14, 1944 Delbert was inducted into the United States Army serving his country in the 76th Inf. Division in Gen. Pattons 3rd Army.  During his tour he received the following decorations and citations: 2 Overseas Service Bars, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Battle of the Rhineland and Battle of Central Europe.  Delbert was honorably discharged on January 5, 1946.

Delbert had a passion for cooking and loved to be in the kitchen.  He enjoyed the company of little children and looked forward to their visits. 

Delbert was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Ashlar Lodge 111, he was the past Master of Ashlar Lodge, Past High Priest of the Delta Chapter #51, Past Illustrious Master of Kings Council #4, Past Commander of Calvary Commandery #24, Past President of Karl King High 12 Club, Member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Temple, Des Moines, and Past President of the Fort Dodge Shrine Club.  Delbert also held numerous positions during his longtime membership in the Fort Dodge Noon Lions Club.

Delbert owned and operated Porters Poultry Place from 1942-1964 and Del Porters Pancake Feast from 1965-1982. 

Those thankful for having shared in Delberts life include his three children: Mary Porter of Phoenix, AZ, Ann (Ken) Stoner of Cedar Falls, IA, Billie Sue Hiracheta Brown (Roy one daughter and five grandchildren) of Phoenix, AZ, one daughter in law: Hannelore Porter of Scottsdale, AZ, long time dear friend: Marlys Heide, her two daughters: Thea Oppedal and Nona Hubbard, four sisters: Dorothy Wieberg, Florence Koester, Opal (Dale) Hudson, Vonnie (John) Pollard, one brother: Gerald (Marilyn) Porter, 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Porter was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son: Robert M. Porter, Marlys son: Curt Heide, 3 sisters: Helen Jones, Grace Barkhaus, Rachael Sharf and one brother: Milton Porter.

Bruce-Graham Funeral Home