Byron Elkjer, age 95, of Willmar, died Thursday morning, April 26, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Monday, April 30, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the church cemetery with military honors provided by Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post 167 of Willmar. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar, www.petersonbrothers.com.
Byron Edward Elkjer was the only child of Edward and Clara (Hultberg) Elkjer. He attended Willmar schools, graduating from Willmar High School in 1940. On August 2, 1942, Byron married his high-school sweetheart, Betty Michels, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar.
Byron worked in his father's clothing store, Elkjer Anderson, after high school until entering the U.S. Army during World War II. He served with the 4th Infantry Division in the European Theater and was awarded the Bronze Star for courage during the Battle of the Bulge. He also served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.
Following his honorable discharge, Byron returned to Willmar and established Taylor Sales of Burnsville, which sold Taylor Ice Cream Machines. After many years of work and travel in his successful business, he sold the company to his son Jerry and retired in Willmar.
Byron was a member of the Church of St. Mary, the American Legion, the V.F.W. and the Elk's Club. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, traveling, hunting and fishing. He had a wonderful sense of humor and especially enjoyed lovingly teasing his grandchildren. He was kind, good natured, and humbly generous. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Betty; their six children, Tom (and Carmen) Elkjer, Mary Margaret Elkjer, Jerry (and Mollie) Elkjer, Jane (and Lee) Radzak, Dan (and Bobbi) Elkjer, and John (and Julie) Elkjer; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother-in-law, Dr. Jim (and Colleen) Michels; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Clara Elkjer; Betty's parents, Leo and Mary Michels; a brother-in-law, Dr. Roger Michels; and a grandson, Nathan Elkjer.
Byron's family would like to thank Lake Region Home Health, Bethesda Grand, and Rice Hospice for all of their love and care of Byron.
Cemetery Details
St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery
1459 15th St. SW
Willmar, MN,
Visitation
APR 30. 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Church of St. Mary
713 12th Street SW
Willmar, MN, US, 56201
http://www.OurLivingWater.org
Mass of Christian Burial
APR 30. 02:00 PM
Church of St. Mary
713 12th Street SW
Willmar, MN, US, 56201
http://www.OurLivingWater.org