Delmar Oney, age 91, of Isanti died unexpectedly on July 28, 2016 at his home. The funeral service will be held at 4 P.M. on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at First Baptist Church in St. Francis, 22940 St. Francis Blvd.. Visitation will be held 1 hour before the service at the church.
Delmar David Oney
In the afternoon on July 28, 2016, Delmar David Oney responded to his Savior’s summons to take up residence in his eternal home. He was 91 years and 2 days old. Delmar came to faith in Christ at an early age. His favorite hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” reflects the fact that he placed his whole hope in Jesus. His life consistently bore testimony to the power of that cross in the love that overflowed into the lives of those around him. Even when he could no longer attend most church services Delmar loved to read his Bible, listen to recorded messages and broadcasts of his favorite television preacher, Dr. Feldick.
Delmar was born in Vance Creek, Wisconsin, on July 26, 1925, to Arthur Lawrence Oney and Eva Alice (Church) Oney. Raised near Clear Lake, Wisconsin, and graduated from Clear Lake High School, Delmar served in the Army from November 25, 1944, to August 1, 1946, first in the Philippines, and later during the occupation of Japan. While stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, he met a beautiful lady named Dorothy White. He married her on February 8, 1947, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
They made their home on a farm near the Oney’s family farm at Clear Lake, Wisconsin. They later purchased a farm in Barron County, Wisconsin, where they raised their two children, Dan and Sandy. He was an excellent dairy farmer and won several Top Herd awards. In 1978 they sold the farm and moved to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, wintering in Arizona for several years.
In 1995 they moved to rural Isanti, Minnesota, to be closer to their daughter, Sandy Gibson, and her four children. There they became a members of First Baptist Church in St. Francis. He and Dorothy were a wonderful help providing daycare for Kimberly Gibson during her preschool years. He was always quick to help in any way he could (he could fix just about anything), and he was always ready for a game of Skipbo with friends and family. Delmar always enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and feeding and watching his birds.
Granddaughter Melissa Gibson remembers him as “gentle, supportive, loving, selfless, unassuming, funny, and gifted.” Kim Gibson remembers his faithfulness and ready encouragement, “always understanding our shortcomings and loving us anyway. He never gave up on his family, and he was always there to take care of Grandma.”
Delmar was preceded in death by his parents Eva and Arthur; brothers, Lloyd, George, and Ken; and sister, Gladys.
Delmar is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Isanti; 2 children, Dan (Lee) Oney of Blue Grass, Iowa, Sandy (Don) Gibson of Isanti; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and by many other relatives and friends.
The funeral service is at 4 P.M. on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at First Baptist Church in St. Francis with Rev. Steve Brower officiating. Burial is at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery with Chaplin John Shay. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel.