DeLores Belland of Thief River Falls, MN has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved her.
These pages are a small offering toward a much larger life.
DeLores held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is a quiet companion through a long life. DeLores's walked beside her.
DeLores Mae (Olson) Belland, 91, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Essentia Health Living Care Center in Fosston, MN on April 22, 2026, following a short battle with cancer.
DeLores was born on April 14, 1935, to Ingvald and Ida (Anderson) Olson, in Benson, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm on Camp Lake, where some of her fondest memories were made helping her Grandpa Anderson with chores. She was baptized and confirmed at Rolling Forks Lutheran Church.
She attended District 79 School, a one room country schoolhouse, in Camp Lake Township through the eighth grade, graduating from Benson High School in 1953. As a young woman, she ventured to the "big city" of St. Paul, where she pursued her calling in nursing at The Charles T. Miller School of Practical Nursing, earning her certification in 1955.
In 1956, DeLores married Walter Belland at the St. Paul Cathedral, and together they were blessed with seven children. They lived in Little Canada and then North St. Paul. Though the marriage later dissolved, her love for her family remained constant and unwavering.
DeLores dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Gillette Children's and St. John's Hospitals in St. Paul, as well as Sunset Nursing Home in Park Rapids. DeLores was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Sons of Norway. Her kindness and compassion made her especially gifted in caring for the elderly, and she touched many lives through her work.
Outside of her career, DeLores was known for her beautiful wedding cakes. She loved hosting home sales parties, decorating for the holidays, canning pickles, and spending time playing cards and bingo. She also enjoyed gambling, reading travel books, and meeting new people wherever she went.
DeLores had a deep interest in genealogy and could often be found working on jigsaw puzzles, watching the Hallmark channel or HGTV. Above all, she found great joy in spending time with her family, crocheting afghans and other items. She also loved to dance, especially the polka.
In 1976 DeLores moved to Mahnomen, MN, staying for one year before moving to Park Rapids. In 1985 DeLores left Park Rapids to spend time living with family in Detroit Lakes, Mahnomen, and Alexandria, MN. She also lived in Vadnais Heights to care for an elderly family friend, later moving back to her hometown of Benson to care for her mother. In 2004 DeLores moved to Thief River Falls, MN.
She was preceded in death by her son Michael Belland, son-in-law David Hoveland, her parents
Ingvald and Ida Olson, sister Jane, who was born into the arms of Jesus, sister Gerda Onstad,
brothers-in-law Norman Onstad and Donald Landmark, nephew Randy Onstad, niece Joan Spaeth,
and former spouse Walter Belland.
DeLores is survived by her children; Steve (Brenda) of Willamina, OR; Diane Hoveland of White Bear Lake, MN; Linda (Arthur) Lang of Mahnomen, MN; Harold of Thief River Falls, MN; Theresa (Gary) Blakely of Park Rapids, MN; Raymond (Nancy) of Maplewood, MN; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; brother Roger (Char) Olson of Benson, MN; sister Judy Landmark of Golden Valley, MN; also survived by many loving relatives and friends.
In keeping with her giving nature, DeLores made the decision to donate her remains to the Anatomy Bequest Program at the University of Minnesota Medical School, helping to further education and research.
A visitation will be held at Oakwood Funeral Home in Maplewood, MN on Sat., June 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. Please join the family for a luncheon after the service.
A private burial will be held at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery in North St. Paul, MN.
