Della Ann Ausen was born on Sunday, June 16, 1907, in Watertown, SD, to Daniel and Hilma (Carlson) Mertz. She was baptized in 1907, and confirmed in May of 1922, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School in 1926. She worked in the new Montgomery Ward store there until her marriage on October 5, 1931, to George W. Ausen of Garden City, SD.
To this union, three children were born. They transferred from International Harvester Co of Watertown to Dawson in March of 1941, and joined Riverside Lutheran Church. Della immediately went back to teaching 6th grade Sunday School girls, served as President of Ladies' Aid, and taught L.B.S. in Clarkfield for 2 summers. She was also a member of the WCTU and U.M.S. Della remained a member of Grace Lutheran Church after Trinity and Riverside merged. As a member of the Riverside Mothers' Chorus, she would often be asked to sing in a quartet for funerals. She continued to be a faithful worker at Grace Lutheran until ill health in later years prevented her from doing so. During World War II, she volunteered with the American Red Cross, rolling bandages and knitting socks and mittens for the soldiers. Even though her hands were arthritic, she continued to crochet, bake, and make donuts for her family. She resided in her own home until May, 2000, and moved to Pleasant View Apartments. On September 1, she suffered a stroke and became a resident of Johnson Memorial Home, where she remained until her death on Friday, November 17, 2000, at the age of 93.
Della leaves to mourn: her children, Beverly (Roger) Stenson of Bloomington, Gerald (Donna) Ausen of Hastings,and Grace (Roger) Borstad of rural Montevideo; 7 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; sister, Viola (Jerry) Beaudette of International Falls; special friends, Laurie, Christopher, Crystal and Stephanie Plate, Phyllis Westby and family; nieces and nephews, and many friends and neighbors.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George on May 31, 1995; one sister, Velara Cradit; step-sister, Morah Guymon; and step-brother, Glen Mertz.
Della enjoyed her home, visits from friends and was a devoted mother to and loved by family and all who knew her.