Delano Roosevelt Landsverk

Delano R. Landsverk, “Del” passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, after illness complications in Kingston, NY. He was born November 3, 1936, on a farm in Lowville, Wisconsin to immigrant Norwegian parents.

After graduating from Rio High School Del enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving from 1958-1964 and always maintaining it was one of the best and most fulfilling decisions he ever made. He was stationed at Stewart AF base in Newburgh NY.

He married Margaret “Kathy” Siegel in 1963. Together had one child, a daughter, Elizabeth. Eventually their paths diverged but they remained close through their shared relationship with their daughter.

He received his undergrad degree in teaching and master’s degree in political science at SUNY New Paltz teaching world history throughout his entire career at Rhinebeck High School. He was extremely well-read, and well-liked by his students as Del would commonly be described as a "character" while encouraging them to "be your own best friend". He amazingly remembered many names of his students, even in his final years.

Del was always a naturalist and environmentalist at heart, loving all animals, particularly dogs, and the natural world too. He kept a bird feeder out always and loved house plants. He lived his entire adult life in the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Del was an avid supporter of many conservationist groups such as The Sierra Club and WWF. He enjoyed keeping up on world events, including reading The New York Times, up until his death. Post- retirement from teaching at Rhinebeck High School he worked with the developmentally disabled, referring to these special individuals as ‘God’s People.’

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Landsverk Porter, cherished granddaughter Michelle Porter, of Port Ewen, NY, a sister Barbara Shew of Janesville, Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews who considered him a “favorite uncle.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Tollef and Anna Landsverk; and siblings Florence Rupp, Sylvia Haidri, Norman Landsverk, Earl Landsverk, Franklin Landsverk, and Lucille Lewke.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Del’s name can be made to The World Wildlife Fund.

Services entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. Burial with full military funeral honors will be at held at the Ulster County Veterans Cemetery at New Paltz Rural Cemetery, 81 Plains Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561 on Friday May 1st, 2026 at 1:30pm.