James Keith Elletson

James Keith Elletson (Jim) born April 15, 1932, died peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the age of 92. He loved the Lord and was looking forward to seeing Jesus, his wife Beverly and beloved relatives in heaven. He is survived by three of his four children and his grandchildren: Laura Elletson, Savage, MN and grandchildren Hunter and Madison Schwartz; Paul Elletson (Kathleen), Stillwater, MN and grandchildren Sam and Emily; daughter Amy VanSchaick (John), Versailles, KY and granddaughter Ava; two brothers Dr. Harry Elletson of Cave Creek, Arizona and Traverse City, MI and Jon Elletson (Gwen) of Crossville, TN; and sister-in law Gerri Elletson of Cushing, MN and many good friends. He was preceded in death by son, James Stephen Elletson (Jimmy), his wife of 65 years, Beverly (Roberts) Elletson, and youngest brother Chuck (Douglas) Elletson.

A man of great dry wit, an avid storyteller and advisor to his extended family, Jim had a strong, Christian faith. He was an active church member, avid hunter and fisherman, gardener, and loved to dance to waltzes and polkas and travel with his wife. He volunteered in his community as a Befriender and played his accordion with a band in nursing homes. He also volunteered with Lutheran Brotherhood, Lakes Area Learning Center, the Becker County Board of Adjustment, Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and First Lutheran Church.

Born in Foley, MN to parents Harry and Elinor (Henning) Elletson, Jim had a paper route, became an Eagle Scout, worked for his father who was a Becker County Engineer, obtained a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of MN, Twin Cities, served in the Army, and spent 37 years with MnDOT where he became the Area Maintenance Engineer in Morris and Detroit Lakes, MN. He traveled to Russia to consult with the IESC as a civil engineer after retirement.

Jim met the love of his life, Beverly Roberts from Buhl, MN at a mixer at University of MN Twin Cities, Comstock Hall. They were married on July 6, 1957, in Buhl, MN and lived in Minneapolis, Shoreview, Frazee, Lake Park, Morris, and finally Detroit Lakes, MN during their 65 years of marriage. Jim said kindness was the secret to a long and happy marriage. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he answered, “that I always did my best.”

Jim will be buried alongside his wife Beverly at Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Services for Jim will be Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. West-Kjos Funeral Home is serving the family.