Francis L. “Frank” Delvaux, 70, of Brookings and formerly of Huron, passed away on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at his residence in Brookings. His Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron, followed by military honors by the Huron Veterans Council. Burial will be at a later date at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Cavour.
Visitation with the family present was from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Welter Funeral Home in Huron, with a scripture prayer service beginning at 7 p.m., and one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church on Friday.
Frank was born on Oct. 25, 1945, in Huron to Laurence and Ursula (Caughlin) Delvaux. He attended school in Cavour and Huron. Frank served in the Army National Guard from 1962-1967, and later enlisted in the US Navy in January of 1969. He served in the Seabees in Vietnam, and after his completed tour of duty, Frank was honorably discharged in August of 1970 and returned to Huron.
In September of 1972, Frank was united in marriage to Virginia Walls in Iroquois; he later married Joyce Sundet on May 12, 2007 in Iroquois. Frank was a longtime employee of Pierce & Harris Asphalt Paving and Webster Concrete Company. He enjoyed hunting and fishing until his health declined, and then took up the hobby of whittling diamond willow walking sticks and canes. Frank and Joyce enjoyed traveling and spending time with relatives in Nevada, Arizona and Texas. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and life member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Frank is survived by his wife, Joyce Delvaux of Brookings; one daughter, Amber Delvaux of Yankton; three step-children, Tim (Meghan) Sundet of Lake Preston, Jeffery (Tasha) Sundet of Brookings, and Robert (Holly) Sundet of Brookings; two grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three brothers, James (Arlie) Delvaux of Sioux Falls, Larry (Connie) Delvaux of Yankton, and John (Rosemarie) Delvaux of Woonsocket; and one sister, Virginia (Gary) Lobash of Coon Rapids, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Paul Delvaux; and two sisters, JoAnn Peterson and Mary Margaret Whitcomb.