Delores "Del" McCanna

Delores “Del” McCanna, 77 of rural Crary, North Dakota died on Monday, December 13, 2004 at the Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, December 17, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. C. F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. Reading of the Scriptures will be done by Michelle Benson and Don Axtman. Gift Bearers will be Brittany Cudworth and Jacob Brewer. Delores Wagner was born on July 2, 1927 at Plaza, North Dakota the daughter of Casper and Anna (Ehlen) Wagner. In 1931, she moved with her family to a farm at rural Crary, ND where she was raised and educated. Del graduated from Crary High School in the class of 1945. Del was united in marriage to Jay McCanna on December 23, 1946 at Fargo, ND. They lived in several southwestern states as Jay traveled with the State Highway Department. In 1951 they returned to the Devils Lake area where Del continued to make her home through the years. While living in Devils Lake, Del held various jobs including working as a telephone operator and waitress in several area restaurants including the Two Spot and the Hamburger Host which she purchased in 1964 and changed the name to Del’s Drive-In. After many years as the owner and operator of Del’s, she retired in 1998. Jay McCanna died on September 29, 1967. Del was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and also bowled with the Devils Lake Woman’s Bowling League for many years. Del always enjoyed the dances at the VFW Club and Del’s love was just being around people and making sure they were always well fed. Del especially lived by that motto when it came to her family. Every Sunday was like Thanksgiving Day at her house. She always had plenty of delicious food, anyone from the family was always welcome and you never left without taking some of the leftovers home. Del is survived by her children and their spouses: Earl “Sonny” and Debbie of Fargo, ND Kathy Benson, Grand Forks, ND Micky and Maria McCanna, Devils Lake Grandchildren: Jeff McCanna, John McCanna, Matt McCanna and Amy Franklin; Tracy Brewer, Lorrie Benson, Michelle Benson and Melissa Benson; Jasmine McCanna and Jay McCanna. Fourteen Great Grandchildren Several Step Grandchildren and Step Great Grandchildren Brother: Alphonsus (Rita) Wagner, rural Devils Lake Sister: Ilene Lee also Devils Lake Several Nieces, Nephews and cousin also survive. Del was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jay; brothers, James Wagner and an infant brother, Arthur; Special Friend, Cecil Kouba.