Donald Merton Elias, 92

Published 10:14 am Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Donald Merton Elias, 92, of Hayfield, Minnesota, passed away on June 15, 2015, at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield.

Elias

Donald Merton Elias was born on Aug. 7, 1922, the son of William and Marion (Moe) Elias in Hayfield. In his early years, he worked on the family’s farm. After graduating from Hayfield High School in 1940, he worked for the Chicago Great Western Railroad. He met his wife, Glee Mary Protextor, in Dodge Center and they were married in 1944 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hayfield. In 1951, he started working for Geo. A Hormel in Austin, Minnesota, where he retired after 33 years. Donald contributed to the community by volunteering many hours to the Hayfield Fire Department. He was fire chief for several years and was very proud and honored to be elected to this position. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served as the Church Treasurer for many years and sang in the choir. Donald had a passion for gardening. He was known by many Hayfield residents for sharing his abundant vegetables. Also, he was an avid fisherman. He spent many summers fishing walleye on Mille Lacs Lake.

He leaves a son, Douglas (Beverly) Elias, Glencoe, Minnesota; daughter, Barbara Bakkedahl (Lowell), Sargeant, Minnesota; and daughter, Nancy Klassen (David) Rochester, Minnesota; six grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Lundquist, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Glee; son, William; two brothers: Lawrence and David; one great-great grandchild.

The funeral service for Donald Merton Elias will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 1st Street SE in Hayfield with the Rev. Richard Hegal officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield. Condolences can be left at www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com.

Blessed be his memory.