- Date Of Birth: September 11, 1924
- Date Of Death: December 11, 2020
- State: Minnesota
Delphine Safranski, 96, formerly of Stephen, MN, died on Friday evening, December 11, 2020, in North Star Manor, Warren, MN
Delphine was born on September 11, 1924, to William and Florence (Gajeski) Sczepanski, on the family farm three miles outside of Stephen. One of nine children, Delphine learned how to work at a young age: a skill that would serve her well the rest of her life. Following graduation from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN, in the class of 1941, Delphine began to see a young man who worked on a farm a short bike ride away.
On November 8, 1944, Delphine was united in Holy Matrimony to Robert Safranski. The young couple (he 19 and she 20) made their home on a farm one mile East of Stephen, just down the road from her homeplace. The two would raise eight children and Delphine would lead the family in the work of growing and canning their garden’s produce, as well as in the annual butchering of the chickens that would feed the growing family through the winter. Her children reckon she could pluck a chicken in 30 seconds: a good skill to have when there are over 100 to do. Every Monday she washed laundry; every Tuesday she made bread for the week; and every time she went into town to get the mail she’d get dressed up for the occasion.
Delphine was generous with what she had. She’d give her last penny to the missions and put another patch on her son’s pants to save for it. She also had a soft spot for her pets. Though she always kept them outdoors, Delphine tamed many of God’s creatures including a deer, a crow, a fox, a raccoon, and a skunk; the last of which even came when called. She had a deep Catholic faith that supported her through the struggles and quarantines of 2020.
Delphine is survived by her daughters, JoAnne Decker of Litchfield, MN, Sue (John) Amundgaard of Warren, MN, Mary Safranski of Manvel, ND, and Carol (Leland) Schiro of Cosmos, MN; and sons, Robert Jr. (Jean) Safranski of Strandquist, MN, James (Donna) Safranski of Stephen, MN, Bill (Elaine) Safranski of Stephen, MN, and Richard (Shelly) Safranski of East Grand Forks, MN; siblings, Frank (Charlotte) Sczepanski and Adele Nowacki; and sister-in-law, Betty Strike. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 72 years, Robert, who died on October 23, 2016; granddaughter, Paula; and siblings, Edmund, Gordon, Thomas, Floyd, William, and Monica.
