Obituary of Delores Mae Knase

Delores Shaleen was born to Emma and Victor on Sept. 14, 1935 in Long Prairie, MN. She moved between Long Prairie and Eagle Bend, graduating from Long Prairie High School. During her High School years she enjoyed bowling (where it is rumored she had a perfect game), was on the cheer team, and roller skating on the weekends where she met James Knase.

She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, James Knase on Feb 27, 1954. Jim and Delores moved to Minneapolis shortly after she graduated. During their first few years together she worked with her mom and sister Vivian at Emma’s Café on Lake St. After their first child was born they moved to Bloomington, where she raised her four children, Richard, Dave, Tom and Nancy. She was a fierce defender of her kids, taking their side over the gossip of the neighborhood.

She went to St. Bonaventure where she was a member for 50 years. As the kids grew up she worked at McDonald’s, taking the bus rain or shine, mentoring an entire generation of young workers. The new furniture that showed up every couple of years, the new carpet and dishwasher, along with a beautiful new addition all a result of her McDonald years.

Later, she had the pleasure of helping raise two of her grandchildren, Matthew and Megan. Walking them to school, then later as they grew, waiting for them at the end of the school day. During this time she also helped Jim as he started a new job with USA Pears Bureau. They would do conventions together setting up the booth and working with the clients.

As she and Jim grew older they moved to Eagan Pointe Senior living center. He passed Sept. 4th, 2019 and she lived there another five years. Her nickname there was Four Corners as she always played the four corners on her bingo card. She was known for her feisty spirit and sense of humor, as well as her numerous visits from her children and grandchildren.

Delores passed away on Nov. 14th, 2024 after reaching her 89th birthday. She never wanted to be a bother and she was not, passing peacefully at 7:30 in the morning. She will be greatly missed by her children, Richard, Thomas, David and Nancy, her seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.