Delmar Stanley LaBrie

Delmar Stanley LaBrie

(September 9, 1931 –

January 8, 2025)

Delmar Stanley LaBrie, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital in Meridian, Idaho unable to recover after hip surgery.

He was born on September 9, 1931, in Wagner, Montana, to Bert and Grace LaBrie, the first of four siblings. He attended the Wagner Country School in his early years and graduated from Malta High School in the Class of 1949. He proudly served in the Korean War as a member of the United States Marine Corps.

Early in his career with the Great Northern Railroad, Delmar met Bessie Sherman of Sunburst, Montana. They were married on April 7, 1956. They lived in various locations the next decade, following Delmar's work. They settled in Harlem, Montana, where they were blessed with five children. They made their final move to Malta, Montana, in 1982 and Delmar retired there as a Signal Maintainer for Burlington Northern Railroad in 1993.

Delmar looked forward to the annual family summer vacation in the mountains, visiting family and friends, and driving his boat while others fished. He and Bessie enjoyed occasional travel until she passed away in 2012 but primarily they were both happy being at home. Delmar enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, hunting, and having happy hour with friends. Thanks to the help of Phillips County Home Health Care, caring neighbors, family, and friends, Delmar was able to live out most of his days in his home, as was his wish. He moved to a memory care facility in Meridian, Idaho near his son in October 2024.

Delmar will be remembered for his hard work ethic, kindness, sense of humor, cute sayings, and positive attitude. He enjoyed visitors and was always ready with a smile. A lifelong active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, he was the oldest Knights of Columbus member of the Malta Chapter. Attending church was the highlight of his week until the end of his life.

Delmar is survived by his sister, Marg Wilson, his five children, Ann Eby (Nick), Linda Smith (Ken), Carol Christensen (Tony), David LaBrie (Jodi) and Sue Casey (Dennis), 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Delmar was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie, his brother, Bud LaBrie, his sister Joyce Wright, his parents, and many dear family members and friends.

A gathering to celebrate Delmar's life will be held on Friday, February 14, from 6–9 p.m. at the Great Northern Hotel in Malta, Montana. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Malta, Montana, followed by a luncheon in the church basement and interment at the Malta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church.