Delores Bishman, 90, Owatonna

Delores Genevieve (Johnson) Bishman, age 90, passed away with family by her side Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Reflections Hospice in Northfield.

Delores was born May 21, 1934, on the family farm in Lemond Township to Guy and Esther (Anderson) Johnson. She attended school at District 85, then Owatonna High School, where she was a cheerleader, and a homecoming queen attendant, graduating in 1952.

After graduation, she moved to Owatonna and began a 61-year career working at Jostens. She started as full-time, later worked seasonally while raising her children, then returned to full-time employment until her retirement in 2013.

Delores married Dale Bishman at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Ellendale, on June 18, 1954. From this union, they had five children: Debra, Darlene, Michael, Michele and Patricia.

Delores served on the Altar Guild at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna for many years. She loved cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, spending time with family, tapping her toes to a good ole’ polka, and eating ice cream.

She is survived by Dale, her husband of 70 years, their five children: Debra (Al) Koglin, Hutchinson, Darlene (Greg) Thomas, Pequot Lakes, Michael (Barb) Bishman, Owatonna, Michele Ulrich, Owatonna, and Patricia Kark, Owatonna; grandchildren: Adam (Anna) Koglin, Kevin (Hannah) Koglin, Shauna (Nathan) Magedanz, Marshall (Ashley) Thomas, Corey (Melissa) Bishman, Casey (Kasey Jo) Bishman, Cole (Lindsey) Bishman, Cody (Christine) Ulrich, Katie (Todd) Merritt, Carly Ulrich, and 21 great-grandchildren.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Esther Johnson; sisters Eileen Sather and Adella Bennett; and brother Vernon Johnson.

Friends may greet the family starting at 9 a.m. and continuing until the time of service, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, 1301 Lincoln Ave. S. Owatonna. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., followed by interment at St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.

Thank you to all the staff at Ecumen Brooks, Reflections Northfield and Allina Hospice for the loving care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Church of Owatonna or donor’s choice.