Elmer W. Haugstad, 95, of rural Lanesboro, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2020, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.
Elmer Wendell Haugstad was born August 28, 1924, in Preston, Minn., to John and Isabel (Nesja) Haugstad. After high school and two years technology college, Elmer entered the Army and got to be a TEC 5. He served from December 7, 1941- November 7, 1946, where he was stationed in the Southern Philippines.
On June 26, 1954, Elmer married O’Donna Wahl at Grace Lutheran Church, in Rochester. He farmed and was doing construction which later he started Haugstad Excavating. Elmer was a member of the Lanesboro American Legion for 70 years. On August 4, 2019, Elmer was the Grand Marshall of the Buffalo Days parade in Lanesboro. At that time Elmer was in the hospital because of a fall, and his doctor gave him permission to leave long enough to be in the parade and back to St. Marys afterwards. He was elated for many days following.
Survivors include his wife O’Donna, son Tom (Debra) of Fountain and daughter Dody (Erv) of Lewiston, three grandchildren and two step grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren; and sister Betty Halvorson of Casa Grande, Ariz.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Isabel, four brothers: Henry, Marvin, Johnny, and Harvey; two sisters, Evelyn, Isabel.
Burial was at Pilot Mound Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lanesboro, and the family is planning a Celebration of Life at Pilot Mound Lutheran Church, when we can all get together.