Delores E. Fletcher, 71, of Hiawatha, died early Monday, January 2, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family.

Delores was born April 20, 1945, at St. Paul, Nebraska, one of eleven children of John and Rose Robak Koperski. She attended Kelso country school near her home at Farwell, Nebraska, where she grew up. DeLores later attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School where she received her first communion and was confirmed. She graduated from Farwell High School in 1963 prior to graduating from the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. DeLores worked at the Hiawatha Community Hospital for 34 years as the Medical and X-Ray Technologist before retiring.

She was a devoted, long time member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Hiawatha, where she was active in the Altar Society. Through the Altar Society, DeLores volunteered for many years taking communion to the shut-ins. DeLores loved to bake, and for many years, with the help of her husband, they made rolls for Coffee and Rolls Sunday at Church. She enjoyed making pies and cakes for her friends. Her main interest was her grandchildren, always attending as many of their activities as possible. She enjoyed helping her grandson with his 4-H projects; also loved gardening and growing lilies. DeLores had been a very active member for many years of the Falls City, Nebraska Saddle Club.

Delores married Daniel Grimes April 20, 1968. He died in 1989. On July 27, 1996, she married Maurice G. Fletcher at St. Ann Catholic Church in Hiawatha. He survives of the home.

Survivors include a daughter Tamala (Todd) Simmons of St. Joseph, Missouri; a son Todd (JoLynn) Grimes of Sabetha, KS; grandchildren: Trevor Simmons, Cole and Mya Grimes, Step-daughter Stacey (Richard) Beyer of Liberty, Missouri; step-grandchildren: Brandon, Katy and David Beyer. Also surviving are sisters Agnes (Ron) Lewandowski of Grand Island, Nebraska, JoAnn (Justin) Kuszak of Ashton, Nebraska, Marie (Daryl) Platek, Sally (Tom) Mudloff, all of St. Paul, Nebraska; brothers: Pete Koperski (friend Dolores Mc Donnell) of Tracey, Missouri, Henry (Rose) Koperski of St. Paul, Nebraska, John (Jan) Koperski of Ogallala, Nebraska, Ted (Margaret) Koperski of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ben (Mary) Koperski of Cody, Wyoming, with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a step-son Maurice Fletcher, Jr.; a step-grandson Wade Fletcher; a sister Frances Kush; nephews Jerrid Mudloff and Eric Koperski; 5 half brothers, and a half sister.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann Catholic Church in Hiawatha, at 12 Noon Thursday, January 5, with Father Matt Koperski and Father Dan Gardner as con celebrants. Interment will follow at the Hiawatha Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Wednesday. The Parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by the family receiving friends.

The family request Mass offerings in lieu of flowers. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.