Obituary of Delphine Frances White

Delphine Frances Kummer White, age 97, past peacefully on April 24, 2020 at 7:40 am, at New Brighton Care Center, New Brighton, MN where she lived for a time prior to her passing.

Delphine was born March 9, 1923 in Cold Spring, MN, to Henry and Frances Kummer. She had 3 brothers and 1 sister, Vivian, Warren, Raymond and Lloyd Kummer.  Delphine’s Mother passed away before she was 2 years old. She was raised by her Dad and Stepmother Susen, and she gained 4 more 1/2 siblings, 1 girl and 3 boys, Thelma, Richard, Jerry and Tom Kummer.

Delphine left home on her 18th birthday and moved to the Twin Cities where she met her future husband John J White Jr. Delphine and John were united in marriage on March 22, 1943. John had enlisted in the Coast Guard April of 1941, but because WWII was escalating, he was pushed into the Army and off to war in 1944. While John was in the military, Delphine worked at Rayette Company making perms. She later went and worked for Pearson's Nut Co. making 7-up bars. John and Delphine eventually had 4 girls and 3 boys in a 23 year span. Jacqueline Frances (Steve), Gail Cassandra (deceased) (George), Cherie Ann (Kenny), Kevin John (Cheryl, deceased), Tedric Mathew (Mary), Michele Marie (Bob) and John Thomas (Stacey).

Delphine worked many small jobs while raising her children. John was a commercial artist. While living in the cities she did cereal box tops and cigarette-bottom mail-order prizes and then later went on to selling Avon which allowed her to make wonderful holidays for all. Once the family moved into the suburbs she continued to sell Avon and became a certified bowling instructor. Her favorite being teaching little children. She made a little money with that and traveled in bowling leagues. She played golf with John and her family recreationally for a few years. Delphine and John loved to dance and they hosted Arthur Murray dance parties for their friends at their home. For a few years, Delphine took a job in production at Sales Marketing where John also worked. She worked there until she spent full-time taking care of her husband who became ill.

Delphine loved her neighbors and they loved her. There were many great neighborhood gatherings through the years with continuing friendships. She loved to cook and had a "green thumb". She made many dear friends at St. Odilia Catholic Church and was active as a Stephen Minister, playing the bells and baking for special occasions. One year she proudly played a role in the church's musical "Joseph's Technicolor Dream-Coat". She enjoyed attending stage shows especially musicals. Delphine loved to travel bravely alone and she was an excellent driver. Her friends liked to take her along on trips because she was a fun companion on the road. One of her favorite trips was with Donna and Jerry Ostergren for a month out west.

She is survived by her 6 children, her 22 grandchildren, her 29 great-grandchildren and her 6 great-great-grandchildren.

She preceded in death by her loving husband John Joseph White, her special daughter Gail Cassandra Borchert, and many relatives and friends.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic a Celebration of Life will be held for her later this year.