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Bernice Deloris Christine Wilcox, age 93 of North Branch, died Tuesday, November 4 at Birchwood Healthcare Center, Forest Lake, where she was a resident for the last seven years.

Deloris was born February 28, 1915, to Leonard (Matt) and Johanna Hammerstrom at the family home on Cedar Street in North Branch. She attended North Branch Schools and graduated with the Class of 1933. She was baptized, confirmed and a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch. On October 27, 1945 she married Fred Wilcox, of Sunrise. To this union three sons were born, twins Jeffrey and John, and Bradley.

Deloris worked at various restaurants and stores in North Branch in the early years and was a manager at Babytown, an exclusive baby store in Minneapolis. After the war she and Fred managed the St. Croix State Park, in Hinckely, before settling back in North Branch. Deloris had a wonderful artistic touch she added to everything she did, whether it be a flower arrangement, a greeting card, gift wrapping or a holiday meal, it was always special. She was a very early and lifetime member of the North Branch Chapter of the Ladies Auxiliary to the V.F.W. where she was very involved in craft shows and various activities in her younger days. She was an enthusiast poppy saleswoman throughout her life.

Deloris was preceded in death by her parents Matt and Johanna, stepmother Marion, husband Fred and infant son John, brothers Clifford, Clayton and John, stepbrother Donald Senn, sisters Lydia Franklin, Adelaide Goldstrand, and Dorothy Maack.

Deloris is survived by her sons Jeffrey (Gloria) of St. Petersburg, Florida and Bradley (Juliann) of Lindstrom; grandchildren Jessie (Aaron) Peter, Clayton, Charlie and Emma; great grandchildren Adria and Henry Peter; sister Phyllis Lindberg and Arline Broten and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, November 8 at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch with Pastor Tom Hansen officiating. Music was provided by organist Debra Aulich and Soloist Kelly Rogstad. Pallbearers were Audrey Erickson, Bruce Goldstrand, Jack Hammerstrom, Carla Norelius, Stephanie Remund and Susan Stone. Interment was at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in North Branch. Arrangements were by Grandstrand Funeral Home, North Branch.

Thank you to Birchwood Healthcare Center and Fairview HomeCaring and Hospice for their years of caring service for Deloris.

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