Obit: Delo, Leslie J. “Les” (1947 – 2018)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Delo, Stowe, Brhely, Olson, Adler, Bowe, Bloomfield

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 02 May 2018

Delo, Leslie J. “Les” (13 OCT 1947 – 18 APR 2018)

Leslie “Les” J. Delo, 70, Milton, formerly of Loyal, joined Jesus on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Edgerton Care Center, with his loving wife and family dogs by his side. He lived his Christian life for this reward. A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 5, at Cargill United Methodist Church in Janesville. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., on Friday, May 4, at Albrecht Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Milton, and again at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.

Les was born on Oct. 13, 1947, to Jerome and Marjorie (nee Stowe) Delo, in Clark County. After graduating from Loyal High School, he went on to earn his Bachelors of science degree in physical education and health education from UW-La Crosse, and a master’s degree in education-professional development from UW-Whitewater. Les taught physical education and health, coached wrestling and track, officiated volleyball, and coordinated the outdoor education program for the Milton School District, retiring after 34 years. Concurrently, Les served 23 years in the Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. On March 24, 1984, he married Janice DeWitt at Cargill United Methodist Church in Janesville. In later years, Les and Janice coordinated the GIFTS men’s shelter for Cargill. Les was a member of the Masonic Temple and was a member of the Janesville Kiwanis. He also volunteered at the VA in Madison and for Meals on Wheels in Janesville. His greatest joys were his family, friends and pets, but Les also cherished his time outdoors, hunting and fishing. As an athlete, he was passionate about sports and recreation. In his retirement, he and his wife, Janice, were beekeeping hobbyists. Les was known for his integrity, compassion and generosity and for fighting for his beliefs with the tenacity of a pit bull.

Les is survived by his wife, Janice; his siblings: Gordy (Meg) Delo, Nicky Brhely, Sharon (Terry) Olson, Rod (Nancy) Delo, Sandy (John) Bowe, Barb (Denny) Adler, Kevin (Kathleen) Delo, Jim (Pam) Delo, and Larry (Colleen) Delo; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Les was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Robert Brhely; and a special friend who was like his brother, John Bloomfield.

Memorials may be donated to Cargill UMC at 2000 Wesley Ave., Janesville, WI, 53546, or GIFTS Men’s Shelter, PO Box 788, Janesville, WI, 53548.