May 7, 1934 - March 24, 2024

Delores Florene Jefferson, 89, of Central City died Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Litzenberg Long Term Care in Central City. Funeral services will be Friday, March 29, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Fairview United Methodist Church in Central City with Pastor Gordon Paulsen officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 4-6 p.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home. Interment will be held at the Central City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.

Delores was born on May 7, 1934 to Alfred and Dora (Peetzke) Kohtz in Hamilton County on the poor farm that was managed by her father. She attended Grade School in Hamilton County and St. Paul Lutheran School in Arlington until moving to Central City and graduating from Central City High School in 1953. Delores was united in marriage to John Jefferson on June 5, 1955 at Fairview United Methodist Church in Central City. She worked as a soda jerk at Justice and Locke Pharmacy in Central City, where she learned to make excellent treats, including the best root beer floats. Which became a nightly family tradition.

Delores was a past Bethel Guardian and Honorary Member of Job’s Daughters Bethel #7 in Central City and active council member for 30 years. Past Matron and 50 year member ofArbor Chapter #200 Central City, Order of Eastern Star. She was an active member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Central City, past president of Fairview United Methodist Women, member of the Starlighters Extension Club. She volunteered for Merrick County 4-H, and was the co-pilot for John to many different board meetings. She was a great cook, always gave great advice to newlyweds at the church shower….”always set the table first girls, before starting supper, that way when he comes in he will think supper will be ready sooner than later.”

Those left to cherish her memory are her children; Cynthia (Rev. Richard) Boche of Cheyenne, WY, Brian (Kendra) Jefferson of Central City, Tracey (Ron) Hefner of Archer, and Lila (Mike) Steinke of Phillips, her brother-in-law; Dale (Mary Lou) Jefferson of Columbus, and her 14 grandchildren; Christian (Beth) Geu, Matthew (Darcy) Geu, Paul Geu, Joshua Geu, Stephan (Sarah) Geu, Courtney (Broc) Root, Isaac (Bailey) Jefferson, Brittney (Derek) Martinsen, Chloe Jefferson, Jennifer (Anthony) Clark, Amanda Hefner, Adam (Racheal) Steinke, Laura (Grady) Erickson, and John (Barbie) Steinke, and 21 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; John, sonin- law; Larry Geu, sister; Charlene Johannes, bother-in-law; Norvin Johannes, brother; Lowell Kohtz, sister-in-law; Mildred Kohtz and granddaughter-in-law; Bekka Geu.