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Tibke, age 82, of Valley City, ND, died Saturday, September 29th at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 2nd at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 202 3rd Street NW. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and one hour before the funeral service at the church on Tuesday. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday evening at the church. Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery near Valley City, ND.
Delbert was born to Edwin and Hazel (Markow) Tibke on his grandparents farm near Elgin, ND August 28th 1930. He was a 1949 graduate of Elgin High school, where he was active in football, baseball, and FFA.
On September 9, 1951 he married Opal Boeshanz at Peace Lutheran Church in Heil, ND. They were married for 53 years before her death in 2004.
Delbert was honored to serve the state for over 39 years as a District Game Warden for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. He was stationed in Bismarck, Hillsboro, Elgin and Valley City. Delbert worked to promote wildlife enforcement and conservation of North Dakota’s natural resources. Delbert produced a weekly radio program on KOVC radio and started every program with “Morning Sportsmen” and concluded every program with “Obey the rules and enjoy the great outdoors”. Delbert also wrote a weekly article in the Valley City Times Record. Delbert was recognized for his professional excellence and received many awards over his career.
Delbert was a leader in establishing a lasting memorial to honor Game Wardens and the fallen Conservation Officers who were killed in the line of duty. Delbert worked to establish an international Game Warden Museum at the International Peace Gardens. Delbert served as the First President of the North American Game Warden Museum.
Delbert cared for his community and this showed through his work with Lions club. As an active member of the Lions, Delbert served in many roles in the organization including president and was ultimately honored by receiving the highest award given from the Lions Club, the Melvin Jones Fellowship award.
Delbert served his Lord as an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, serving as the President of the congregation for many years.
Delbert is survived by children Susan (Bill) Martin, Perry (Tammi) Tibke, Amy (Tim) Yokom and Brad (Carlisa Inscore) Tibke all of Valley City. Delbert has 6 grandchildren Brooks (Rena) Martin, Bismarck, ND, Joel (Tammi) Martin, Spearfish, SD, Nicholas Yokom, Laura Yokom McKenzie Nordland and Kasidy Tibke all of Valley City and 4 great grandchildren Riley, Maverick, and Autumn Martin, Bismarck and Duncan Martin, Spearfish, SD. Delbert has one sister Gloria (Martin) Vaaler Elgin, ND one brother Norman (Shirley) Tibke Bismarck. Delbert also has three sister-in laws Erna Lahr, Agnes Kranich , and Nita Tibke all of Bismarck, and many nieces and nephews.
Delbert was preceded in death by his wife Opal, an infant son Rodney, his parents Hazel and Edwin Tibke, one brother Ronald Tibke, one great grandson Christian Trainor.
Memorials may be directed to the North American Game Wardens Museum or the Barns County Relay for Life.
Funeral arrangement by the Lerud Schuldt Funeral Home of Valley City. Online guestbook available at www.lerudschuldt.com