×
×
homepage logo

Elmer M. Tysver, 91

Jan 18, 2015

Alexandria Elmer M. Tysver, age 91, of Alexandria, formerly of Bricelyn, died Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 at Knute Nelson Care Center in Alexandria. A Funeral Service was held Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 at Bricelyn Lutheran Church. Interment was in Bricelyn Lutheran Cemetery, Rev. Nancy Dreier officiated. Military Honors were accorded by the Bricelyn American Legion Post.

Elmer was born Sept. 4, 1923 on a farm in Bricelyn, to Erik and Marian (Axelson) Tysver. He was baptized and confirmed at Bricelyn Lutheran Church. He attended country school and then moved to town and finished through the 8th grade. He went to work farming with Glenn Johnson and helped him as his hired man.

At the age of 18, Elmer enlisted in the Army and served two and a half years (one year in the states and one and a half years overseas. He was involved in the Normandy invasion and went on into France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He then joined with the Norwegian 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) until the end of the war. Elmer was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star. In 2011, Elmer was awarded the Norwegian WWII Defense Medal. After the service, Elmer worked as a carpenter.

Elmer married Pauline Meyer, March 9, 1951. To this union three children were born James, Cynthia and Paul.

Elmer was a handyman and his occupations were many. He drove truck for Chick Fosness; he and Harold Beckman were in the poultry business together; he was custodian/ bus driver for Bricelyn Public School; then went back to carpentry working together with Aldean Gullord until 1996 when he finally “retired.” His retirement days were still busy helping those needing odd jobs done or his expertise on something. (One thing that amazed his children was how fast he could add and subtract fractions in his head.)

Elmer was very active in his church and community serving on church council, president of the cemetery board for over 20 years, serving on the Bricelyn Fire Dept. for 25 years, and was a member of the Rescue Squad, Community Club, and city council. Elmer was involved with the American Legion Post 165 for 69 years and was commander twice.

Elmer moved to Alexandria in May 2013 to be closer to his daughter and resided at Windmill Ponds Assisted Living. While he lived there he made many new friends, and the staff loved him.

Elmer will be remembered by his family as a loving and gentle dad and grandpa. His humor always kept us laughing. He was our one of a kind “Elm”.

He is survived by his two children, Cindy Gilmore, of Alexandria, and Paul (Sherry) Tysver, of Springvale, Maine; grandchildren, Alison (Luke) Schloesser, Rachel Gilmore, Chris (Ingrid) Libby, and Heather (Jason) Stearns; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Logan Schloesser, Lydia Gilmore Shrode, Isabelle, Caleb, and William Libby, Cody Agro, Jaden and Mckinli Stearns; along with his sister, Wanda Stover; nieces, nephews, and their children.

Elmer was preceeded in death by his parents; wife, Pauline; infant son, James; two sisters, Marguerite and Serena; and one brother, Milford.

Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home of Wells was in charge of arrangements. Please see www.brussheitner.com to leave online condolences. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.