Allen Richard DeLander

Allen Richard DeLander, 88, of Woodville, WI, beloved husband and best friend to Barbara (Berkseth) DeLander for 65 years, entered eternal peace on June 8, 2025. Allen was born on October 23, 1936, in Woodville, WI, to Vernon and Alice (Mathison) DeLander. Following his high school graduation, Allen served in the United States Army from January 1955- December 1956. He was stationed in Fort Brag, North Carolina. After serving his country he returned to attend the University of Wisconsin – Stout in Menomonie, WI. There he completed his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education in 1962. His first teaching job was as the Industrial Arts teacher at the High School in Plum City, WI. While in Plum City he completed a Master of Science in Industrial Education at the University of Wisconsin – Stout and was recognized with membership to Epsilon Pi Tau International Honorary Professional Fraternity in Industrial Arts and Industrial Vocational Education. In 1966, Allen started working in the Glenwood City, WI school district where he served as the High School Guidance Counselor and High School Principal. In 1970, he returned to his passion for assisting students in career planning as the Guidance Counsel for the St Croix Central High School in Hammond, WI. While working in Hammond he completed a Master of Science in Guidance at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. From 1987 to 1996, he was the Guidance Counselor for the Baldwin-Woodville High School in Baldwin, WI. Throughout his Guidance Counselor career, he was recognized for his sincere desire to work with young people, ability to give practical advice, and was often sought after for career planning. In 1995-1996, he was recognized by the Wisconsin Counseling Association as the Counselor of the year. After 33-years of academic service he retired in 1996.

On August 20, 1960, Allen married the love of his life Barbara Berkseth. Together they had two children, Kevin and Kari, who will be forever grateful for such a kind, patient, generous, and present father. Allen and Barbara never missed a single activity for their children and instilled the love for the outdoors and time at the lake with frequent camping, boating, fishing, and boys hunting trips. Allen was a man of strong Christian faith, and he and Barbara were members of Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville, WI for more than 50 years. As a couple Allen and Barbara shared a love of adventure and travel throughout their marriage with yearly family trips to many US and Canada locations. Allen took great pride in his community. He served as a member of the Woodville Lions Club, Park View Community Campus Board, Woodville Village Board, and Zion Lutheran Church Council. In addition, to serving within the community he and Barbara took great pride in the Baldwin-Woodville school district students. They were often found cheering at home and away boys and girls sporting events.

Allen was a humble man who was admired for his sincere kindness, compassion, hard work, integrity, and willingness to help others. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by his family and friends. Allen is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; two children, Kevin (Tracy) DeLander of Greenwood, SC, and Kari (Jason) Cambern of Rochester, MN; five grandchildren Chelsey (Ryan) Hyatt of Roebuck, SC; Colin (Brooke) DeLander of Greenwood, SC; Brittany Cambern of Rochester, MN; Bryce Cambern of West Palm Beach, FL; Jack Cambern of Rochester, MN; and three great grandchildren, Charleigh, Hayden, and Hampton. He is survived by other relatives and friends. Allen is preceded in death by his parents, brother Harley DeLander, and sisters Verna Sather and Sharon Wynveen.

A celebration of life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville, WI on Monday, June 16, 2025. The visitation will occur from 9:30am-11:30am with the funeral following at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to start a Baldwin-Woodville High School scholarship in Allen’s memory for students pursing post-secondary education (e.g. vocational, college) who have demonstrated academic and extracurricular achievements. Other memorials can be designated to Park View Community Campus or Zion Lutheran Church.