Delmae J. “Del” Gifford, age 80 of Maiden Rock, passed from life on this Earth on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire with her family by her side.

Del was born on May 27, 1934 at home in Plum City. She was the daughter of Herman and Mildred (Johnson) Wittenberg. She grew up in the Plum City area and attended Plum City and Maiden Rock Schools. After school, Del married Joe Traynor Sr. together they had three children which were the center of her life. She also worked at the School in Plum City. Del moved to Menomonie where she met and married her soul mate, Kenneth Gifford on May 7, 1981. After marriage, they lived in the Menomonie area. Del worked at Sandy Lee’s in Menomonie for many years and also in the health care industry in Menomonie, Spring Valley and Elmwood retiring in 1999. While living in Menomonie, Del and Ken were foster parents for many children. Together, Del and Ken moved to their current residence in Maiden Rock where she remained the rest of her life.

Del enjoyed reading, crocheting, sewing, cooking, gardening and canning. Faith was very important to Del and she was a member at the United Methodist Church-Ono in Maiden Rock. Del, Ken and their dog, KD, spent their winters in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas area for 15 years. Most of all, Del loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Del is survived by her husband; Ken, children; Steve (Karen) Traynor of Zimmerman, MN, Teresa (Kelly) Kado of Menomonie, Joe J. (Lynette) Traynor Jr. of Maiden Rock and Kristen (Paul) Hofland of Baldwin, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, three brothers; Byron (Donna) Wittenberg of Henderson, NV, Dennis (Joannie) Wittenberg of Bidwell, OH and Robert (Wynette) Wittenberg of Ellsworth, a special nephew; Terry Wittenberg of Appleton, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother; LaVerne “Buzz” Wittenberg.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday, September 15, 2014 at the United Methodist Church-Ono (Grange Hall) rural Maiden Rock. Rev. Shannon Mattison will officiate. Burial will be in the Maiden Rock Cemetery. Friends may call from 3-7 PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. G.FORD January 30, 2015, at 6:08pm

   I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to you. All of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. Turn to the Holy Scriptures for guidance and to help soothe your heart. Psalms 34;18 assures us that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

2. Nancy Traynor September 15, 2014, at 1:09pm

   Dear Family,
   I was saddened to hear the passing of your mother. Aunt Tootie touched so many lives during her time here, mine included. I still thought of her as my Aunt Tootie even after she divorced Joe. She was just very special.
   My thoughts and prayers go out to family,
   Nancy

3. Crystel Atwood (Lorenz) September 13, 2014, at 9:19pm

   So sorry for your loss, I was very lucky to work with her what wonderful lady. I can still hear her laugh.

4. Tom & Jacque Evenson September 12, 2014, at 1:17pm

   May special memories comfort you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family,

5. Randy Krogstad & Kevin Tucholke September 11, 2014, at 8:42pm

   Uncle Ken, So sorry for your loss our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Cherish all the memories and wonderful times. I wish we could be there with you, God Bess Randy & Kevin

6. Tana George Laudolff September 11, 2014, at 8:59am

   My siblings and I are sadden by the passing of Tootie. She was such a large part of our lives while we lived in Plum City- so many wonderful memories of this unbelievable and remarkable woman. We are truly blessed to have known and loved her. Thank you for sharing her with us. Affectionately , Tana

7. Arthur and Sherry Miller September 11, 2014, at 7:53am

   So Sorry to hear That Auntie has passed away, It was so good to see you both 3 weeks ago, )time
   spent) Know my thought and prayers are with you and family.

8. Mandie September 11, 2014, at 4:23am

   So sorry for the loss of Delmae. She was a tough woman. Thoughts and prayers to you during this time.
   ~One of her nurses,
   Mandie.

9. Debbie and Ron Kline September 10, 2014, at 3:48pm

   So sorry to hear about Aunt Del's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.

10. Penny Traynor Harshman September 10, 2014, at 2:52pm

    Ken,Steve,Theresa,Joe Jr.and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Aunt Toot was truly an amazing person and we loved her so.Bless you all.

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