Proud Dad Thrives at Trillium Woods While Loving Daughter Has Peace of Mind
From the castles of Germany to ski slopes in Washington State, from career milestones to quiet family moments, father and daughter duo Don and Michele Deline’s bond has been full of humor, respect, and deep connection. Today, that connection continues across continents, with Michele living in England and Don—and Michele’s mom, Mickie—thriving at Trillium Woods, a premier Life Plan Community in Plymouth, MN.
Don’s story begins with service—to his country and his family. After graduating from law school, he joined the U.S. Army and became a career JAG officer, serving for 26 years. His military career took the Delines across the globe. “We moved 16 times,” Don recalls. “But it was always the three of us—never ‘I’m being transferred and you have to come.’ It was always ‘we’re doing this together.’”
That togetherness shaped Michele’s childhood. She remembers the castles and canals of Germany, and especially riding on her dad’s shoulders to see the sights, feeling like she was “so high up in the world.” Her parents made her feel like part of every decision, whether planning a vacation or choosing a birthday party—like the time she got to host a party for her school friends on a real train in the Bavarian Alps.
“We did everything as a family,” Michele says. “It gave me a sense of safety, even when I had to start over at a new school. They’d say, ‘We’ll be your best friends until you find new ones.’ That made all the difference.”
Don’s legal career continued after the Army with work in the Senate and the private sector—he even worked alongside Dick Cheney. Somewhere in between, the Delines owned a bed and breakfast and lived on a boat for a year.
When it came time to think about retirement, Don and Mickie prioritized peace of mind—not just for themselves, but for Michele. “We didn’t want her to ever have to worry about us,” Don says. After an exhaustive search, they chose Trillium Woods, putting down their deposit before the community even opened.
“We really landed in the rose bed here,” he explains. “We’re very happy. And since it’s a Life Plan Community with onsite care if we ever need it, Michele and her husband won’t have to take care of us or rush around looking for a place to support us.”
New Friends and a Schedule Full of Possibilities
The community is vibrant and active, with more activities and events than Don can count. “Trillium Woods has been more than we bargained for,” Don says. “It’s like a cruise ship that never leaves the dock. There’s something every day—movies, classes, events, Twins games, trips, clubs, and parties. We even have our own Olympics! One year, the mayor of Plymouth brought in the torch.”
Don also highlights the exceptional dining. “We have a chef with 40 years of experience, and the food is incredible. The menu changes constantly. When guests come to visit, we always take them to dinner here—and they can’t believe the quality.”
But for Don, it’s not just about amenities. It’s about people. “We’ve made amazing friends here, from former business owners to musicians. You walk down the hall and can’t get far without bumping into someone you know. It’s that kind of place.”
For Michele, who now teaches in a village west of London, knowing her parents are surrounded by friends and support brings immense comfort.
“I always tell everybody that my parents live in a college dorm without having to take any classes,” laughs Michele. “For the longest time I would plan to phone, thinking, ‘Poor Mom and Dad, all alone. Let me call them and grace them with my presence and it’d be so great.’ So I’d call, and they’d say, ‘Yeah, we can’t talk right now because we have friends coming over and then we’re gonna have some cocktails and some charcuterie and then we’re gonna head off to dinner. So, what do you need?’”
Don is especially proud to serve as an ambassador to incoming residents, welcoming them personally and helping them feel at home. “We were among the first to move in, and now we get to pass that sense of community forward. It’s what makes Trillium so special.”
But perhaps the most touching part of their story is the ongoing love and humor they share. “People ask me how I became a good dad,” Don says. “I tell them—have a good daughter.”
Learn More
To discover more about Trillium Woods’ vibrant lifestyle, welcoming residents, excellent dining, and expert care, visit https://www.trilliumwoodslcs.com or arrange a tour: https://www.trilliumwoodslcs.com/#/further/55.
