Milo W. Elgin

Milo W. Elgin, 91, Grand Forks and formerly of Michigan, ND, passed away February 29, 2016, at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND.

Milo Wilfred Elgin was born to Oscar and Anna (Arneson) Elgin September 27, 1924 south of McVille, ND. He was baptized at the Norway Lutheran Church. He was confirmed in 1938 at Michigan Lutheran Church.

He attended school at Michigan High School. He participated in all sports and worked part-time after school at Orvik Supply Ford and various farmers. Milo was a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. He was discharged on May 16, 1946 from the 2nd Division, 38th Infantry. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star as well as several other commendations. Milo’s devotion to his country was evident throughout his life. He was a Life Member of the W.L. Cowper Post 238 of the American Legion, serving as commander several times. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. In 2009 he was able to make the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He would often comment about the trip and the privilege it was to have served his country.

Milo married Carrol Kallestad on June 9, 1946. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States to visit family and friends. Many winters were spent in Arizona with fellow Nelson County friends. They also engaged in numerous camping trips throughout North Dakota with Stump Lake becoming their favorite spot. They moved from Michigan to Devils Lake in 2000 and then to Grand Forks in 2013.

Milo and Warren Snyder purchased the Ford dealership in Michigan in 1960 naming it E & S Ford. In 1976, he became the sole owner of this dealership and renamed it “Elgin Ford”. He served on the Michigan City Council for 8 years and later as Michigan’s mayor. Milo and Carrol also owned and operated the Highway 2 Motel for a number of years. After selling the Ford dealership, Milo was employed by various businesses including selling campers and selling insurance.

Milo was an avid and active volunteer worker at Stump Lake Village for many years. He worked diligently at restoring old buildings and equipment as well as helping to organize the Labor Day parade and festivities. This was his most treasured hobby. He was an avid woodworker and this volunteer work allowed him to put his many talents to good use. He also made clocks, tables, shelves, fixed broken chairs, and made tables and stools for his grandchildren.

Throughout his life, he was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was hunting deer well into his 80’s!

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carrol, Grand Forks; his sons: Ron (Linda), Grand Forks and Doug (Bev), Grand Forks; grandchildren: Jenna (Nate) Noland, Fergus Falls, MN; Erik Elgin, Phoenix, AZ; Kelsey (Shawn Peterson) Elgin and great-grandchildren: Jade and Megan Noland.

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Alvin and Maynard; and 1 sister, Orpha Fosse.

The Funeral Service will be held at Michigan Lutheran Church on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the service. Interment will be in the Michigan Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Stump Lake Pioneer Village, Michigan Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.