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John O'Brien Elfelt

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University of Minnesota

John Elfelt Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 18, 2012.

Elfelt, John O'Brien 90, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 14th, 2012 at his home in Anoka, Minnesota. Growing up in Minneapolis, he attended Incarnation School and Central High School. Following his graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1943, he served as the commanding officer of a subchaser in the South Pacific during WWII. He then began a career in social work, moving in 1950 to Anoka, where for 27 years he was the director of the Anoka County Welfare Department. John is survived by his wife Stacey (Trager, from Benson, MN) and his seven sons, Jim (Betty), Joe (Joan), Tony (Denise), Larry (Corinne), Paul (Julie), David, and Steve (Corien), and 21 grandchildren, three great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas; his parents, Lawrence D. Elfelt Sr. and Helen C. (McGuire) Elfelt, and his brothers, Lawrence D. Elfelt Jr. and James S. Elfelt Sr. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, July 20, 2012, 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 525 Jackson St. Anoka, with reviewal one hour prior at church. Visitation will be held Thursday, 5-8 p.m. at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Ave. Anoka. Memorials preferred to St. Stephen's Church or to the donor's choice. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka 763-421-0220 thurston-lindberg.com

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Recent Activity

July 27, 2012

Michael Orr posted to the memorial.

July 20, 2012

Chuck Horton posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2012

Edna Hoium posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Michael Orr

July 27, 2012

A loss of a great man to a great family. As a young man I remember six years of newspaper delivery and bill collection to the house, swimming lessons from Tony, and Boy Scouts with Steve. A few years ago working at the Anoka Courthouse on the records imaging project revealed some of John's career legacy which I had not previously known about. May his memories and effect live on through family, friends, and community.

Chuck Horton

July 20, 2012

Tony and family,
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you

Edna Hoium

July 19, 2012

To John's family,
Please accepty sympathy to the family. We lost a mentor, a friend and a good man.

I started working for the Anoka County Welfare Department in June 1970 and many of those of us who knew John well shed tears when he retired. He was a brilliant leader, and a fair and ethical man. We remember his parables, his idiosyncricies, his soft heart and good humor. This world was a better place because he lived and I know he made my life better. We will remember him well and always.

Carol & Mike Gordon

July 18, 2012

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
Still loved, still missed, and very dear.
Thinking of all of you,