Laurance Craig Delzell, 92, of Burlington, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Burlington.
Born Nov. 17, 1932, in Morning Sun, he was the son of Laurance “Tut” and Verlee Hamilton Delzell. He was a 1950 graduate of Morning Sun High School and attended Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio. He married Judith E. Deam on Nov. 22, 1951, at Judith’s grandparents’ house.
Craig worked in his father’s garage in Morning Sun. In 1965 he and his brother Philip obtained the Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge franchise for the business known as Delzell Brothers. 1967 the brothers bought Sheagren-Hunt in Burlington and renamed it Delzell Brothers of Burlington. With the purchase of Thomas Motors, the business became known as Delzell Motors which Craig operated until his retirement.
He was a lifelong member of Morning Sun First United Presbyterian Church and a former member of the Morning Sun Lions Club, Burlington Rotary Club and the Elks Club. He enjoyed his work, gardening, and reading, especially the New Yorker Magazine.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Judith Delzell of Burlington; three children, Darren (Mary) Delzell, Teresa (James) Johnson and David Delzell all of Burlington; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother Roger Delzell of Morning Sun and sister Darla Lane of Sperry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Melodie Warth, son Daniel Delzell and brother Philip Delzell.
The memorial funeral service for Craig will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Morning Sun First United Presbyterian Church in Morning Sun. Pastor Jon Evans will officiate. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City or to PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.