Delores Brotherson, age 87 of Wall Lake, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City, IA.

   Delores Maxine Lambert was born on August 7, 1938, in rural Dow City, IA, to Winfred “Jack” and Helen (Grell) Lambert. She was raised on a farm near Dow City, where she developed the strong work ethic, deep faith, and caring spirit that would define her entire life. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City and was a faithful member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Wall Lake.

   Delores attended country school through the eighth grade before graduating as the valedictorian of the Dow City High School Class of 1956. On June 1, 1956, she married the love of her life, Howard Brotherson. Their marriage was blessed with five children: David, Cindy, Jeff, Mark, and Addie.

   For 33 years, Delores served as the head cook for the Wall Lake and later the Wall Lake View Auburn Community Schools. Thousands of students were nourished by her delicious meals over the years, but even more importantly, by her kindness and compassion. She knew many of the children by name and genuinely cared for every student who walked through the lunch line. Even today, former students fondly remember her cooking and still ask for her recipes.

   Delores and Howard also owned and operated Brotherson’s Feed Restaurant in Carnarvon for eleven years. Her homemade cooking, especially her hand-pattied burgers cooked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet, satisfied many. Their years in Carnarvon were filled with treasured friendships and memories that remained close to their hearts for the rest of their lives.

   Family was always at the center of Delores’ world. She and Howard shared a love of horses and spent countless hours attending horse sales and enjoying that special pastime together. Every year they looked forward to taking the family to the Dayton Rodeo, creating traditions and memories that would last a lifetime.

   Following retirement, Delores enjoyed occasional casino trips with her mother-in-law, although she often joked that luck wasn’t usually on her side. She and Howard also loved spending afternoons driving the area countryside, enjoying the simple beauty around them. It was rare to see one without the other as they traveled their familiar routes together.

   An enthusiastic sports fan, Delores faithfully followed the Iowa State Cyclones, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Indiana Fever, rarely missing a game on television. Yet nothing brought her greater joy than cheering on her grandchildren from the stands. She was their biggest supporter, proudly attending their games and activities whenever she could, celebrating every accomplishment with a smile that radiated love and pride.

   Delores will be remembered as a tireless worker, a gifted cook, and a woman whose generosity knew no bounds. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one. Though she endured many hardships throughout her life, her unwavering faith never faltered. She met life’s challenges with grace, strength, kindness, and a servant’s heart, always placing the needs of others before her own.

   Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and the countless lives she touched throughout the years.

   She is survived by her children, Jeff Brotherson of Wall Lake, IA, Cindy (Bryon) Segebart of Schaller, IA, and Addie (Jody) Brower of Glidden, IA; daughter-in-law Patti (David) Youll of Lake View, IA; grandchildren: Cole (Shelbie) Brotherson, Josh Brotherson, Jill Hayden, Kelli (Josh) Berg, Joedon Brotherson, Chad (Katie) Brotherson, Cameron (Jordan) Youll, Austin (Katelyn) Weber, Koltin (Nicole Ruba) Larsen, Hayden Fay, Brogan Brower, Virginia Brower, and Madison (Logan Higgins) Brower; great-grandchildren: Kale, Elyza, Jacquey, Jemma, Lincoln, Lauren, Jackson, Marc, Kenley, Greyson, Dakota, Myles, Breckyn, Baylor, and Brenley; brothers Larry (Debra) Lambert of Washington State and Dennis Lambert of Carroll, IA; sister Eileen Paulson of Carroll, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

   Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Brotherson; sons Mark and David Brotherson; grandsons Christopher Blum and Patrick Brotherson; granddaughter Jackie Covey; parents Winfred “Jack” and Helen Lambert; brother Jackie Lambert; sisters Kathy Morrow, Judy Deiber, and infant sister Janice Lambert.