Kimberly DeLong

Kimberly “Kim” Armela (Wallin) Delong, of Pine River, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones at the St. Cloud Hospital. 

Kim had a kind and generous heart and she loved to bring joy to other people – especially through thoughtful gestures of kindness and food including her infamous potato salad and caramel rolls. The pride of Kim’s life and her legacy were Dylan, Dalton and her grandbabies. She loved spending time with them, especially gathered around the table enjoying a meal she had prepared for them. 

In the summer months Kim could often be found in her garden tending to her vegetables. She also loved to fish – but she especially loved eating fish. She had unparalleled luck when it came to playing cards and dice – a rousing game of Old Maid, War or Uno were favorites of hers.

Kim worked at the Holiday Station in Pine River for many years and thought of her co-workers and regular customers as an extended family. One of her coworkers, Janine Zitzow, became her best friend. The two spent countless hours with each other and their families, shopping, going for drives and supporting each other. 

Kim is survived by her children, Dylan (Ashley) DeLong of Pine River, Dalton DeLong of Pine River and his girlfriend, Ashley Foster; grandchildren: Brayden, Leah, Dawson, Ella and Mazi DeLong; mother, Gloria Benzie of Pillager; siblings: Jamie (Dennis) Abbott of Pequot Lakes, Rick (Tracy) Wallin of Pequot Lakes, and Lianne (Tony Marshall) Tibbetts  of Nisswa; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Dale Wallin, and stepfather, Charles Benzie.

A celebration of life is planned from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, at the Nisswa Community Center.