Delora Amanda Kristian

Delora "Dee" Amanda Kristian, 92, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away on October 2, 2026, at Mesilla Valley Hospice, Las Cruces, NM.

Delora was born in Minneapolis, MN to C.J. Clifford Engmark and Minnie Engmark on June 11, 1934. She graduated from St. Cloud State University with a teacher's degree. Later she completed a fifth-year special education certificate and Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota. She lived In Minnesota, Texas, and New Mexico.

She taught elementary school and also juveniles in state corrections and long-term drug treatment. In addition, she helped adults who had been hospitalized with mental health problems.

Accomplishments including winning the Minneapolis Aquatennial accordion contest twice, writing two textbooks, and achieving the Distinguished Toastmasters award.

She organized business and professional singles group (a non-profit organization) in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Club of Las Cruces NM and a cat collectors group also in Las Cruces. She was active in the Friends of Bill group.

She is survived by her beloved son Kenneth (Vickie) Larson of Brooklyn Park, MN, former husband Roger Larson of Springfield, VA, many cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents C.J. Clifford Engmark and Minnie (Gottwaldt) Engmark, and her partner for 29 years William Smythe.

Visitation will begin at 1pm followed by service at 2pm on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 10 NE, Fridley. Private burial at Hillside Cemetery, Minneapolis. A service was previously held for her friends in New Mexico.