Conway Elton

1939 - 2025

Conway M. Elton, age 86 of Winona, MN passed away Dec. 23, 2025. He was born in Decorah, IA, on June 3, 1939 to Clarence (Cush) Elton and Mildred (Olson) Elton and grew up in Harmony, MN. Conway had one sister, Colleen (Lee) Fishbaugher & nieces Linda (Stan) Van Kekerix and Lyanne (Dennis) Hermel. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1957 where he referred to his graduating class as "57 straight from heaven." In 1961 he graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and moved to Austin, MN to start as a teller for Home Federal Savings Bank (Alerus). He married Emily Prieur with whom he had two children, Kathryn (Andy) Elton Westley and Jeffrey (Jody) Elton. His loving grandchildren are Nicole Westley and Alyssa (engaged to Doug Walls), Ashley, and Addyson Elton. While in Austin, he also served in the National Guard.

In 1974, he moved to Winona, MN, to become the branch manager for Home Federal Savings Bank (Alerus). He worked there for 40 years before retiring as Senior Vice President in 2001. One of the unforeseen benefits of moving to Winona was the love he developed for spending time boating on the Mississippi river with his family and friends.

He married Elizabeth (Morken-Carlson) in 1981, welcoming her children Scott Howard, Lori (Fabrizio) Fabbri, Darin (Ron Caplinger) Howard, and Christoper (Angie) Carlson. Over the years the family grew to include loving grandchildren Alessandro Fabbri, Matteo (Tessa) Fabbri, Ilaria (Zach) Southworth, Vanessa Fabbri, Jayna Carlson (engaged to Brenden Schyma), and Josie Carlson. This year a new great granddaughter, Sienna Southworth arrived.

Conway was active in many organizations. Paramount were Central Lutheran Church, Winona State University Foundation Board for 20 years including time as past President, Elks member for 50 years, a Director of United Way in 1989, Winona Ambassador, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce (including past President). He was proud to be invited to and attend both the Ronald Reagan (1981) and George W. Bush (2001) inaugurations.

Other organizations close to his heart were Noon & Sunrisers Kiwanis Clubs, Red Cross, American Legion, Hilltop Dance Club, Cedar Valley and Westfield Country Clubs, ACBL Bridge Club, Woodcarvers of AZ, and Tuesday night 2-fer's with good friends. He was a past Executive Director of the Miss Minnesota pageant and a judge for the Miss Wisconsin pageant.

Conway was active in retirement and never slowed down. He was a friend to all and ready to drive wherever someone wanted to go - even if it was a roundabout way to get there. He spent many winters in Mesa, AZ, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, enjoying his love of travel having been to 5 of 7 continents and all 50 states with wife Beth, and many, many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mildred and Cush Elton, and sister Colleen Fishbaugher, nephew-in-law Stan Van Kekerix, brother-in-law Alton (Marlys) Morken, sister-in-law Lois Houge, and brother-in-law in Charles Houge.

Funeral will be January 5, 2026 at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN. Visitation from 9:30-11:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. and then a luncheon. Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Remembrances can be directed to the Beth & Conway Elton WSU scholarship fund for nontraditional students or Central Lutheran Church.