Delven Dale Schipper, 91, passed away at his home in Fairbury, NE, March 5, 2024. He was born April 19, 1932, on a farm outside of Diller, NE to Herman and Ollie (DeBoer) Schipper. He was baptized and confirmed in the American Lutheran Church. “Del” attended country school and Fairbury High School where he met his future wife, Jeannette Hayes.

At a young age, he began working for a seasoned German cabinetmaker and home builder, John Beckman. Delven developed his tough work ethic while working on the farm and apprenticing with John. Rather than being drafted, Delven enlisted in the Navy in 1952.  After completing training, he and Jeannette were married on October 25, 1953, in the First Methodist Church. Shortly after, he shipped out and served in the Korean War, stationed in the Pacific.

Oldest daughter Kathi Gail was born in August of 1954, while Delven was overseas. When he returned from active duty in 1956, he continued with construction, also working for Bill Krumme, then launching his own business in 1964, along with Jeannette as bookkeeper.  He was well-known for his concrete, masonry, and home building.  People sought Delven out for jobs that included churches, and banks, as well as a home on Long Island, NY.Youngest daughter, Darcy Jane, was born in January 1962. Proud of being a father a second time and being present for her birth, Delven went out the very next day and bought a brand-new hunting rifle. It must have been a sign, as Darcy grew up to love hunting nearly as much as her dad.

Delven was especially proud of the home he built on their acreage with Jeannette. They lived there happily together for 45 years. Delven served on the hospital board and was a member of the Elks, VFW, American Legion and the United Methodist Church. He and Jeannette sponsored a local women’s fast-pitch softball team for many years, “Schipper Construction”.  The family spent decades of summers at their place on Lovewell Lake boating, fishing, skiing, and sharing great times with friends. Golf, hunting, fishing and Husker sports were Delven’s favorite pastimes. There are too many stories to tell about Delven’s escapades and adventures throughout his 91 plus years, but you can be sure that anyone who knew him would have more than one to share.

Delven is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jeannette, daughters Kathi and Darcy (Mark) Hansen, grandchildren Nichole (Jeremy) Miller, Carrie Hansen, Nathan Hansen, great-grandson Lucas Miller, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law and cousins. Delven is preceded in death by his parents, older sister Velda Wagner, and younger brother Leonard.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2024 at First United Presbyterian Church, 2310 “H” Street, Fairbury. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church. Interment will be in the Fairbury Cemetery with full Military Honors. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln and Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home, 2414 “H” Street, Fairbury.  Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com.