Delfino Moreno

Delfino Moreno, a long-time resident of Lake Geneva, passed away on September 8, 2025, just six months after the passing of his beloved wife of 65 years, Celia Moreno. Delfino was born at his family’s rancho in El Mimbre, in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, December 23, 1936, the tenth of eleven surviving children. His early years were spent on the farm and in the nearby town of Matehuala. Born with an adventurous spirit, Delfino left home early, traveling and working around Mexico and the United States.

On a visit home, he met sixteen year old Celia at a dance and they corresponded for several years before marrying in Texas in 1960. Delfino worked for Otto Jacobs on his property in Texas, and it was Otto who encouraged the couple to move to Wisconsin. Delfino worked for the Otto Jacobs Company for 38 years until his retirement. There is hardly a place in the area where Delfino could not point to a driveway, or house, or business that had not been touched by his hard work.

Delfino and Celia welcomed their first son, Mario in 1962, followed by another son, Daniel in 1963. Their daughter, Celia Yasmin was born in 1969, and then another daughter, Valentina in 1978. Not long after, Heather Garecht joined the family, finding a loving home with the Morenos.

In 1973, Delfino purchased a plot of land in the Robinson Hillside subdivision and began building a home for his family. Working evenings and weekends, with help from his two sons, the family moved into the house later that year.

Over the years, the family made frequent visits to Delfino’s relatives in Mexico, where he was cherished for the stories he told and the deep connections he maintained. His many relatives there will miss him dearly.

In retirement, Delfino and Celia spent many months traveling throughout the country visiting family, exploring nearly every state, as well as Canada and Mexico. These journeys were filled with joy, laughter, and the love of family.

Delfino is survived by his children, Mario (Dina) Moreno of Seattle, Daniel (Jean) Moreno of Minneapolis, Celia Yasmin (Jason Staudenraus) Moreno of Seattle, Valentina Moreno of Springfield, Virginia, and Heather Garecht, also of Virginia, who became another devoted daughter to him. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Luisa, Thomas, Samuel, Julia, Isabella, Marcos, Katherine and Camilo. He is also survived by his sister, Luisa, in Mexico, along with many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services for Delfino will be held on Saturday September 27th, 2025 starting at 10:00am in the main chapel of Derrick Funeral Home.  Burial will follow the services at Cobblestone Cemetery.  Visitation for Delfino will be held on Friday September 26th, 2025 from the hours of 5:00pm till 7:00pm  at Derrick Funeral Home.

Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Delfino's family.