Delia M. McLain, 75, Minot, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, in a Minot nursing home.

Delia was born Jan. 2, 1934, in Eden Valley Township of Renville County, near Lorraine, a twin daughter of Dan and Nellie (Neubauer) Krause. She was raised on the farm and received her formal education at Eden Valley Township School.

Delia moved to Minot in the early '50s, gaining employment as a housekeeper and a sales clerk for Woolworths and Kresge's Dime Store. Delia was united in marriage to Wayne McLain on June 19, 1955, in Zion Lutheran Church, Mohall. They made their home in Minot, where she focused on raising her family. In the 1960s Delia began her employment in the food service industry at the Airport Cafe and North Hill School. Later, Delia was hired as a banquet waitress at the North Hill Holiday Inn location, serving for more than 17 years. She moved to the International Inn where she continued in her position for the next eight years until her retirement in 2003.

Delia was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and a former member of the Moose Lodge and Eagles Aerie, all of Minot. She enjoyed dancing, gardening, bingo and loved to do "unnecessary cooking" for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Surviving family includes: Loving husband of 54 years, Wayne, Minot; children, Vickie (Gaylen) Erck, Lori (Mike Mathis) Hanson and Jodi (Dave) Krueger, all of Minot, Tracy (Karyn) McLain, Brainerd, Minn., and Cory (Michele) McLain, Folsom, Calif.; grandchildren, Ronald (Brittany) Hanson Jr., Jami (Mike) Derheim, Jesse McLain, Alanna Krueger, Rhanda (fiance Josh Parisien) Krueger, Kyle, Dylan and Brendan McLain; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Cameron, Brooklyn and Berkley Hanson; sisters: Darlene Bernsdorf, Della Bechthold and Lila Marsden, all Minot; brother, Dahlen (Inge) Krause, Sherwood; half sisters, Nancy (John) Wherley, Mohall, and Avis (Joe) Ethen, Kenmare; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Delia was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Howard Bernsdorf, Lawrence Marsden and Harvey Bechthold.

Funeral: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at 11 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).