Delenore (Del) Damus Edward Chaput, 92, longtime resident of Cooperstown, North Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Catherine South in Fargo on May 30, 2026. Del was born on January 30, 1934, in Langdon, ND to Joseph Edward and Fernande Chaput. Del attended and graduated from St. Alphonsus Catholic School in Langdon in 1952. Del joined the US Army in January 1954 until being honorably discharged in December 1955. While in the military, Del spent time in Germany, Austria, and France. Del married Evelyn Ekberg on June 20, 1956, at St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon. They lived in Rock Lake for five years, where Del began working in the elevator business, before moving to Cooperstown. Del worked as the Cooperstown Elevator Manager for 29 years, retiring in 1991. Del worked part-time over the years for Norwood Sales and Finley Grain. He was actively involved in the Cooperstown community as a member of St. George Catholic Church, American Legion Post 143, member of the volunteer fire department from 1970-1989, and served as fire chief from 1984-1987. Del enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, camping with family and his Good Sam’s community, and playing pinochle. He enjoyed traveling and spent 36 years wintering in south Texas.
Del moved to St Catherine South in September 2025, where he was able to enjoy many visits with family and friends.
Del is survived by his daughters Kim (Jerry) Hook, Edinburg, Texas, and Lisa (Pete) Nordtvedt, West Fargo, North Dakota; grandchildren Jennifer (Aaron) Sykes, Marc (Kylie) Haaland, Desiree (Josh) Fuxa, Paul (Kendra) Nordtvedt, Ashley (Gary) Mueller, Cory (Nicole) Chaput, CynDee (Richard) Smith, Nic Nordtvedt; step-grandchildren Michelle Hook and Jason Hook; 15 great-grandchildren (1 more on the way), 3 step-great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, 5 step-great-great-grandchildren; sisters MaryLou (Gary) Schissler, Darlene (Bill) Brooks; brothers David (Joyce) Chaput and Joe (Tina) Chaput, brother-in-law Glenn Hiltner; and several nieces and nephews.
Del is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Evelyn; his parents; daughter Susan; son Kurtis; daughter-in-law Tammy; sisters Betty Rae Chaput, Sister Donna Jean Chaput, and EdiAnn (Bob) Otto; great-granddaughter Alison; sisters-in-law Luverne, Shirley, and Delores; brothers-inlaw Eugene, Leonard, and Arnold; and Evelyn’s parents Arthur and Mae Ekberg.
Del’s funeral will be held June 11, 2026, at St. George’s Catholic Church in Cooperstown, along with his wife Evelyn Chaput.
Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
