Surrounded by family at home, Loren passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and trusted accountant Loren H. Deling lived a life defined by service and devotion to the people he loved.

Born on September 8, 1950, in Fairmont, Minnesota, to Herman and Irleen (Palmer) Deling, Loren graduated from Ceylon High School in 1968 before volunteering for military service. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic, crew chief, and door gunner, earning the rank of Sergeant. His exposure to Agent Orange during his service ultimately led to the illnesses that claimed his life decades later.

After returning home, Loren earned an Associate Degree in Accounting and after several years in public accounting, took the leap of starting his own firm. What began as Loren H. Deling Accounting grew into a practice that served individuals, families, and businesses for more than 40 years. His clients returned year after year, many becoming lifelong friends along the way.

While still in high school, Loren met the love of his life, Marilyn Kittleson. During his tour in Vietnam, they exchanged letters nearly every day, believing that if their relationship could withstand a war and an ocean between them, it could withstand anything. They were married on June 23, 1973, and built a life together rooted in love, partnership, and family.

Daughters Lindsay and Chelsea were born in 1984 and son Bryce in 1986. Loren was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who attended countless school events and sporting competitions, coached Little League, and was always there when his family needed him. Whether helping with a move, preparing tax returns, or lending a hand around the house, his adult children always knew they could count on him. After his granddaughter was born, he consistently cared for and played with her, alongside Marilyn. In later years, Loren and Marilyn enjoyed traveling together and celebrating milestones with family and friends, including their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023.

Loren will be remembered for putting others above himself and being a trusted friend and family man. Those who knew him will especially remember his integrity and honesty. His legacy lives on in those he loved.

Loren is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marilyn; his children, Lindsay Deling (Will Larson) of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and Bryce (Ashleigh) Deling of Beverly Hills, California; his cherished granddaughter, Adalyn Forman; his brothers, Orville Deling of Fairmont, MN and Russell (Brenda) Deling of Dolliver, IA; his sisters, Mary Deling (Dale Elford) of Stewartville, MN, and Marjorie (Scott) Kittleson of Sherburn, MN; his sister-in-law, Lori Deling of Ramsey, MN; his mother-in-law LaVonne Kittleson of Sherburn, MN; his brothers-in-law Mark (Judy) Kittleson of Davis, CA and Scott (Marjorie) Kittleson of Sherburn, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Irleen Deling; his beloved daughter, Chelsea Deling; his brothers, Leroy Deling and Marlin (Lori) Deling; his sister-in-law, Irene (Orville) Deling; his father-in-law Norman Kittleson; and his nephew Trent Deling.

A Celebration of Life and Love will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, currently located within Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 2124 Viola Rd NE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 pm Monday, July 27 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Loren’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Mayo Clinic Palliative Care and Hospice Programs and to Cornerstone Caregiving for their compassionate and excellent care given to Loren.

Memorials are preferred to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 at P.O. Box 6226, Rochester, MN 55903-6226; or to Jeremiah Program Rochester at https://jeremiahprogram.org/campuses/rochester-southeast-mn/  or at mailing address 2915 Jeremiah Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901; or to Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo at 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920.