Obituary: Delores Marlene Westman Setterquist
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Delores M. Setterquist died peacefully at the age of 87 on April 16, 2020 at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton, from complications of lung cancer.
She was born March 18, 1933.
A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, Dee was preceded in death by her son Bardon Setterquist, and sister Goldie Estlund.
She is survived by her children Terry Setterquist (Janette), Sharm Setterquist, Sue Gonzales (Don), Tracy Strand (David), Ahnna Dudley (Jamie) and Jolene Setterquist; her sister Darlene Watts (Gerry); 14 grandchildren, Carla, Kristy, Jordann, Channing, Quinn, Danny, Jera, Christine, Kevin, Alison, Amanda, J. Patrick, Brooke and Sierra; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Dee was the second of three girls born to George and Bertha (Thompson) Westman in Mahtowa. Her childhood was spent on the family farm in Mahtowa until moving to Cloquet in 1947. After graduating from Cloquet High School, Dee married Jerrald Setterquist, and together they had seven children. Ever the social butterfly, Dee found pleasure in family parties, dancing, and summer visits with her talented and beautiful sisters. While together, the sisters were known to harmonize old songs, with Dee playing the accordion. Born with the gift of flexibility, Dee and her sister would amaze their children with acrobat contests. Her favorite pastimes included volleyball, skiing, and golf, where she won the Women’s Championship at Cloquet Country Club.
Later in life, Dee moved to Cannon Falls to be closer to her eldest son before returning to Cloquet. In the summer of 2017, as her health declined, Dee was placed in hospice care. With her family providing support and encouragement, Dee was not ready for life to end. She woke one day to tell the attending nurse that she needed to get to the party and wanted a beer for herself and two more for her friends. Miraculously, she went on to enjoy life for another three years. In that precious time, she played bridge, attended a weekly rosary group, and loved “going out on the town” with her family.
Dee will be missed by everyone who knew her, but they can take comfort in remembering the many good times shared together. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Inter-Faith Care Center, where Dee spent the last three years, and St. Croix Hospice for their dedicated care and kindness.
Delores will be buried at Mount Salem Cemetery, located near the Mahtowa farm she so much enjoyed as a child. A memorial of Dee’s life will be held Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet with a reception and celebration to follow. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.
