Delma (Smith) Stuetelberg Bennett, 100, of Atlantic, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Heritage House in Atlantic. She would often say, “I can’t believe I made it to 100!”
Delma Mae was born at the Smith homeplace, east of Wiota, Iowa, on March 7, 1923, the daughter of Elmer Martin and Christena C. (Saxton) Smith. In her youth she was active in 4-H, serving for a time as Vice President of Iowa. Delma attended school in Wiota and was active in Declam, Operetta, singing with her quartet group at various functions, and was a cheerleader for the girl’s basketball team that went to the state tournament her senior year. Delma graduated from Wiota High School in the Class of 1941; she was the last living member of her class. Following graduation, she enrolled in classes at Cummings School of Art in Des Moines and in 1942 transferred to the American Academy of Art in Chicago.
While in Chicago her high school sweetheart, Harold Stuetelberg came to visit her and the couple had a memorable night out at the Aragon Ballroom on April 15, 1944; the couple married a year later at the Smith homeplace on April 15, 1945. They were blessed with four children, Allan, Martin, Nancy and Lori. The family lived at the Smith homeplace for a short time before making their home at the Stuetelberg farm in the early 1950’s. Delma was involved in the day-to-day needs of life on the farm, helping Harold as needed, tending her large garden, dressing chickens, and maintaining the home. They were co-owners of an airplane; Delma even taking a few flying lessons of her own. As members of the Iowa Flying Farmers, Delma drew the scenery that was on some of the organization’s letterhead.
She married into a larger family than she was accustomed to since she was an only child; Delma never shied away from cooking large meals for everyone, including the workers. Her hard work and dedication led to her being voted the Southwest Iowa Outstanding Homemaker of the Year in May of 1958. Delma and Harold moved from the farm to Atlantic in 1977.
In addition to her work at home, she also sold AVON, worked at Butternut Bread/Wonder Bread, Pamida and retired at the age of 69 from Spurgeons, where she had delighted in making the window displays for nearly 15 years.
On June 3, 2007, she married William “Bill” Bennett at the Wiota United Methodist Church. The couple resided in Kimballton, and were active in Heritage Club.
Delma was a life-long member of the Wiota United Methodist Church, serving on many committees. She was one that had an easy time making friends and was always on the go. Delma was involved in the Rebekahs and Eastern Star, served as a 4-H Leader, and continued sharing her musical talents not only in her home but also at church functions, weddings, funerals and anniversary parties. Her artistic talents resulted in beautiful creations, of various themes, using techniques that included watercolor, charcoal, acrylic and pencil. Delma loved to give her pieces as gifts and also enjoyed sharing about them when family and friends would stop to visit. While living at Heritage House she appreciated her daughters swapping what pieces of art were displayed from time to time and recently got to see the final product of a quilting vision she had of using her family members hankies to make butterflies in each quilt block! Sewing, crocheting and knitting was also something she enjoyed, making her family various items through the years, one of the pieces that is treasured most is the Christmas stockings.
Delma’s colorful personality, ability to always say the right thing to make you feel better, positive attitude, and sweet nature will always be cherished by all that knew her. Her body may have failed her in recent years, but her mind was sharp as could be, all of these wonderful personality traits shining right up to the moment the Lord called her Home.
She is survived by her daughters, Nancy K. (Keith) Nolte and Lori (Fay) Schroder, all of Atlantic; grandchildren, Brian (Tammy) Fagan, Joy Petersen, Matt (Krista) Knuth, Martha (Jesse) Grosshans, Beau Stuetelberg, Wendy (Anthony) Beck, Missy Seufert, Nichole (Chet Deranek) Nolte, Blain (Krista) Nolte, Sara (George Thompson) Schroder and Megan (Mitch) Burg; great-grandchildren, Kelsey (Brenton) Ball, Katie Fagan, Karly Fagan, Tyler Beeck, Jesse Grosshans Jr., Tyler Brawdy, Haley (Emmit) Smoldt, Taymen Brawdy, Riley Seufert, Jaret Seufert, Miles Seufert, Jenna Deranek, Levi Deranek, Makenna Brown, Shea Nolte, George Thompson Jr., Jayden Thompson, Tayler Burg and Payton Burg; great-great-grandchildren, Hicksten Jespersen, Hollen Jespersen, and Theodore Smoldt; sister-in-law, Isla Stuetelberg; and many extended family.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Harold Stuetelberg (2006) and William “Bill” Bennett (2014); sons, Allan (1950) and Marty (2010); grandson, Kevin Petersen; granddaughter in infancy, Kimberly Ann Schroder; and close cousins, Leland Smith and Kathryn (Smith) Rogers.
Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 17th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. A private family burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, in the Heritage Hall at Heritage House, with Pastor Jessica Wietzke of the Wiota United Methodist Church officiating. Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a time of fellowship and refreshments.
Memorials may be sent to Roland Funeral Home, PO Box 129, Atlantic, Iowa 50022 for the family to designate to the Wiota United Methodist Church or the Heritage House Good Samaritan Fund.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Delma’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
