Elmer Verner Lennartson

Elmer V. Lennartson, 85 of Midway Township was called to his heavenly home on Monday, December 19, 2011. He was born on October 17, 1926 to Lloyd and Ellen Lennartson of Esko. He was the second oldest of six boys. He graduated from Esko High School in 1945. Elmer was a WWII veteran and enlisted on February 14, 1945. He was an excellent marksman in the Army. He was to have been one of the first waves to invade Japan, but fortunately for him the atomic bomb was dropped, saving his life. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Japan, and received two overseas bars. Elmer married Lois Thorburg on July 30, 1949. They met in Sunday school. Together they enjoyed three sons. He worked as a locomotive engineer at the US Steel Plant in Duluth for 25 years, as well as at US Steel/Minntac for 15 years. He was quite involved in his local community and was the clerk of Midway Township for 19 years. Elmer had a strong faith and was a trustee, as well as the financial secretary for Augustana Lutheran Church. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and served as an usher. He enjoyed sports and was very good at baseball, bowling, and horseshoes. He was on the Arrowhead Bowling League, and he and his brothers won many championships. He liked competition, and even when playing cards he was a formidable opponent. Elmer had season tickets for the Vikings and enjoyed attending games with his family. Watching golf, deer hunting and photography were other past times he enjoyed. Elmer took many snowmobile trips with friends and family. Talking about these trips brought him a great deal of pleasure. Even when he got older he was game for anything and tried cross country skiing and snowshoeing. He did things many others never experienced, including hiking down the Onion River in the winter, as well as sliding over icy waterfalls. He always had the dream to take a train ride, so he and his wife, son and daughter-in-law went to Glacier National Park last year on Amtrak. For Elmer it was a trip of a lifetime. He believed in living life to the fullest. His family was the most important part of his life. He was always so proud of their accomplishments and was happiest when he could be a part of their lives. Elmer was always so kind and generous. Everyone he met was his friend. He was a kind soul and gentle person. He cared deeply about his family and friends and would have done anything for them. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Walter, Robert and Allen Lennartson. He is survived by his wife, Lois of Midway; children, Paul (Mary) of Midway, Mark (Nancy) of Duluth, and David (Judy) of Richfield; brothers, Roger (Marcella) of Esko and Dennis (Marie) of Stillwater; sisters-in-law, Shirley Lennartson and Lindus Lennartson, both of Midway; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren with a fourth one on the way. Memorial Services were held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 18th Street and Wilson Ave., Cloquet. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet.