Obituary - Elvyn G. Wolery

Elvyn G. Wolery, 91, formerly of Turner, passed away surrounded by family at Liberty Medical Center on April 29.

A viewing will be held at Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester on Wednesday, May 4, 3 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6 p.m. The funeral service will be held May 6 at 11 a.m. at Turner High School with military honors and burial at Turner Cemetery.

Elvyn was born May 2, 1924, at the family homestead north of Joplin, Montana, to Guy and Blanche (Wilson) Wolery. He attended Grassy Butte School. After his education, he worked on the family farm north of Joplin until he enlisted in the Army. He trained at Little Rock, Arkansas, and was deployed overseas in World War II. Elvyn suffered life-threatening injuries while in combat in Germany. He spent the following seven months in military hospitals in England and Washington state.

In May 1945, he married Eileen Wolf in Havre. They farmed on the Hi-Line for six years. While there, he was a member of the Grassy Butte school board.

They purchased a farm at Turner in 1951, where they raised five children. Elvyn was a baptized and confirmed member of the Turner Lutheran Church and was active in the American Legion. He served as meat chairman on the National Farmers Organization state board.

Elvyn and Eileen farmed until 1976, and then pursued a custom harvesting business. They retired in 1989 and continued to live on the farm. During this period of his life, he enjoyed rodeos, camping, hunting, viewing the elk on the Missouri Breaks, ice fishing and playing cards and board games with his family and his many friends. One of the favorite outings of his retirement years was the times he spent on the wagon train trail rides with his nephew, Leroy.

Eileen and Elvyn moved to Chester in 2001 to be closer to medical services. They enjoyed the next few years at Wheat Country Estates in Chester, where he enjoyed gardening and found joy in sharing his harvest with his many friends. He took pride in supporting his Republican candidates and was devoted to his country.

He was a giving man and always wanted to help and support those in need. He spent his spare time playing Rummikub and calling bingo. Even in his later years, he was mentally keen and lost the Rummikub marathons with his family and friends very seldom. He enjoyed many activities including pontooning, fishing, trapping gophers, picnics and tours with family and friends and always had a knack for getting everyone involved. He treasured his time with family at various reunions and dinners.

Elvyn was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years; four siblings, Royal, Olyn, Opal and Wayne; and his daughter-in-law MaryAnn.

He is survived by his brother, Lloyd (Fern) of Joplin; his five children, Ron (Della) of Stevensville, Darryl (Ruth) of Seeley Lake, Rick (Elia) of El Centro, California, Loren (Linda) of Turner and Gail (Monty) of Chester; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials in his memory can be donated to a charity of one's choice. Rockman Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.