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Donald William Elfstrom, of St. Croix Falls, died March 23, 2015 at St. Croix Regional Medical Center.

Don was born April 14, 1932 in Lindstrom, MN to Archie and Laura (Shaleen) Elfstrom. He was the youngest of seven children and grew up on a farm in Shafer, MN.

He was preceded in death by three brothers: Chuck, Burton, and Earl; his sister Donna Succo; infant sister Verna; his wife Betty and their infant son. He is survived by his sister Elaine Peterson.

Don was baptized and confirmed at Chisago LakeLutheran Church in Center City. He went to school in Taylors Falls and graduated in 1951. Don entered the U.S. Army in October 1952 where he served until September 1954 and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. Thereafter, he and his brother Chuck owned the Mobil gas station in Osceola. In his spare time, Don built a unique, well engineered “sugar shack” on Day Road and started making maple syrup as a hobby. Later, he worked at Champion Aircraft as an FAA inspector where he trained and earned his pilot’s license.

On August 16, 1969 Don married Betty(Houston) Berg. With the marriage he accepted and loved her five children: Ron (Dee Ann) Berg, Bill (Sharon) Berg, Jean (Bill) Ludwikowski, Bev (Gary) Warner, and Tim (Darla) Berg.

Don and Betty’s family continued to grow and they became grandparents to 11 grandchildren: Danette (Berg) Charles, Brian Warner, Tammi (Berg) Braund, Jonelle (Berg) Buchanan, Brad Warner, Dave Berg, Jeremy Berg, Logan Berg, Jon Warner, Joe Warner, and Dillon Olsen-Berg. Don and Betty’s marriage lasted 27 years until she died October 8, 1996. During their marriage they enjoyed camping and fishing trips.
When Champion/Bellanca relocated from Osceola, WI to Alexandria, MN he then worked as a bartender at the Windjammer restaurant and took up hobbies of carpentry, camping, fishing, and vegetable gardening. He built a greenhouse and every year he would grow 100’s of tomato plants that he loved to share with others.

Don was a military veteran and took pride in being a member of the American Legion since 1954. He was also a member of 40 & 8. He was a very active member always participating in Legion activities including the Honor Guard.

His great sense of humor, “spunky” personality and generosity to others will be sadly missed by his five children, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, as well as many friends and extended family.

There will be a celebration of life gathering Saturday April 4 from 10 AM until 1 PM at Legion Post #143 in St. Croix Falls. Military honors will be performed at  Noon.  Arrangements by  Grandstrand Funeral Home – Edling Chapel.

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