NEWSPAPERS n o i t i d E l a i c e p S
January 7, 2026 candgnews.com
Oakland County papers
St. Paul Lutheran Church celebrates history, upgrades BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — St. Paul Lutheran Church and school is the longest-serving church in Oakland County, and it just celebrated more than 150 years and some renovations with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 2. The ribbon cutting, hosted by the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the church’s history as well as the newly renovated welSee CHURCH on page 9A
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce recognized St. Paul Lutheran Church and School for its 150th anniversary and renovations on Dec. 2. At right, Chris Schultz, president of the congregation; Marshall Mackinder, financial secretary of the congregation; and Chris Francik, school principal, help the Rev. Jake Andrzejewski cut the ribbon during a ceremony.
Rosie the Riveter recognition transforms woman’s life BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — At 101, Delphine Tedeski Klaput can finally say she knows her worth, thanks to the acknowledgement she has received from people over the last few years since she has been recognized and honored for her service as a Rosie the Riveter during World War II. “I feel so honored, I really do,” said Klaput of the recognition she has received. “I went all through my life
thinking I wasn’t worth anything, and now all of a sudden I’m getting all of these places that they’re inviting me to. I’m very honored.” Klaput grew up in the rural coal mining town of Cadogan, Pennsylvania. Her parents did the best they could, but they were very poor. She said her mom worked odd jobs to help provide for them. Her father wasn’t able to work as a result of injuries he suffered during World War I. Because of her upbringing, Klaput said she devel-
oped low self-esteem. “We were very poor — very poor. My dad and mother raised the three of us on $50 a month. So, you can imagine I wore dresses that she got (from care packages),” Klaput said. “They would give us flour, rice, canned goods, some clothing once a month, and that’s kind of what I lived with.” The lack of finances greatly influenced Klaput’s decision to quit school and go work at the Glenn L. Martin See KLAPUT on page 7A