Delores A. Kokenge
Delores Kokenge, 96, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Sanford Foundation Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. Visitation with family present will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Delores Ann Kroeger was born on July 22, 1928 in Linn Grove, Iowa, daughter of Carl and Bernice (Osier) Kroeger. She found her way to Sioux City, IA where she met the love of her life, Vincent Kokenge, married and eventually settled in Sioux Falls, SD.
Delores celebrated 70 anniversaries with Vince as they both enjoyed good health until Vincent’s death in 2016. Delores continued as the beloved matriarch of four generations leading with gentle and loving guidance. As a person who never asked for anything, her family gave her everything that mattered … respect, gratitude, adoration, and devotion. She cherished her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren as she watched with glowing pride exhibiting a shining example of a beautiful smile, positive outlook, and devotion to her family. She was an avid Steelers football and Chicago Cubbies baseball fan. Happy times were celebrated with her twin sister, Darlene throughout their lives and especially after retirement when they spent their days together along with their husbands at Lake Traverse, MN. Delores loved a good party of which there were many. She also had a special bond of sisterhood with her many cherished friends at Sunnycrest Retirement Villages. They brought her so much comfort and joy for over 12 years.
Delores is survived by her children, Michael (Marcia) Kokenge, Larry (Colleen) Kokenge, Kathryn (Jim) Lang, Cindi Ruggiero, Ron (Barb) Kokenge; 23 grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Kokenge; son, Doug Kokenge; daughter, Pam Cox; son-in-law, Anthony Ruggiero; and her loving siblings.
The family wishes to thank her caregivers and staff with special thanks to Alissa at Sanford Home Hospice and Sanford Foundation Hospice Cottage for their kindness and compassion during her final days.