Delmer M. Staples, 79, of North Branch, formerly of Austin, died on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at his residence.

Del was born in Austin, Minnesota, on May 23, 1935. He raised and showed championship cattle in his youth and teen years through 4-H in Mower County and the Minnesota State Fair. He loved farming and enjoyed his hobby of restoring antique tractors throughout his life. Del enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955. He was stationed much of the time in France and Germany and loved the adventure and camaraderie of being a soldier. Upon his return, he moved to Iowa where he became a successful car salesman and business owner. Del later moved to Brownsdale, Minnesota, where he owned and operated a roller rink. He enjoyed interacting with the children and teens. Upon retiring, Del moved to Missouri where he bought a ranch and raised beef cattle. Because of health reasons, he returned to Minnesota and lived in Austin and later with his sister and brother-in-law in North Branch.

Del will be missed by his son Scott (Kim) Staples of Elko; granddaughter, Ashley (Ryan) Prentice of Clear Lake. He is also survived by his siblings: Darlene (Delmas) Studer of North Branch, Mark (Janeen) Staples of Star Prairie, Wisconsin, and Joanne (Larry) MacVey of Sun City, Arizona; and many nephews and nieces. He also greatly anticipated the birth of his first grandchild.

He is preceded in death by parents Mark and Vesta Staples; sister, Greta Bissel; and step-daughter Patti Lennon.

A private memorial service and will be held with internment at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch. Condolences maybe left at www.grandstrandfh.com.