08/03/2015 - Delores "Dody" Gulbranson

Delores "Dody" Gulbranson, daughter of Fern and Loren Thomas, was born June 3, 1929, in Sioux City, Iowa.  She the love of her life, Merlyn "Merk" Gulbranson while in high school in Trent, SD where they were half of the graduating class of 1947.  Merk and Dody were united in marriage on July 28, 1947.  They became the proud parents of 5 children; four sons, Randy, Gary, Guy, Kevin, and a daughter Gay.

Dody loved her family and loved her Lord.  She was an excellent student of God's Word and loved the opportunities she had over the years to teach other through Bible Study classes and programs.  During their retirement years, she and her husband, Merk, enjoyed volunteering with Christian organizations in short-term mission projects.  She loved sharing her life's story and faith at Christian Women's and Couple's Clubs.

Dody had a love for music that she passed on to her children and grandchildren.  Some of the family's favorite memories were found either singing and playing together or performing for others.  It seemed appropriate that she slipped from this life into eternity listening to her daughter sing one of her favorite hymns, In the Garden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband  Merk, a sister Gloria, and a granddaughter Marci.

She is survived by her sister Lorene (Ron) Beatty, LaCygne, KS; sons Randy (Sandi) Chadron, NE; Gary (Jorie) Belleview, WA; Guy, Denver, CO; Kevin, Denver, CO, and daughter Gay (DeWayne) Puthoff, Martensdale, IA.  Her children and their spouses blessed her with 15 Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren.  Numerous nieces and nephews, and friends will also miss her.

Services will be held graveside at Trent Cemetery in Trent, SD at 11 a.m., Monday, August 3 with Pastor Randy Gulbranson officiating.  Memorials may be made in Delores's name to The Gideons International.  Online condolences may be made at www.overtonfunerals.com