Elroy Lunz

A Christian Mother's Rosary will be recited at 4:00pm Monday, at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Elroy H. Lunz, age 81, of St. James, died on Friday, December 18, 2009 at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. Elroy Henry Lunz was born June 1, 1928 on the family farm in rural St. James to parents Henry Josephine (Balaha) Lunz. Elroy attended country school and graduated from St. James High School in 1947. Elroy farmed for several years before being drafted into the military in 1952 serving during the Korean War stationed in Germany. Elroy was a heavy equipment operator with the engineers. His unit helped rebuild portions of Holland following the flooding caused by the dikes breaking in 1953. He was honorably discharged in 1954, returning to St. James and farming. On February 25, 1956 he was united in marriage to Phyllis Beck in St. James. The couple farmed until their retirement in 1990 when they moved to town. Elroy continued to help on the farm for several more years. Elroy was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Knight of Columbus. He enjoyed pheasant and duck hunting and belonged to a card club for more than 40 years. He loved babysitting his son's dogs and spoiling them while taking care of them. Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Betty Lunz. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Lunz of St. James, sons Brad (Jill) Lunz of Butterfield, Brian Lunz of Mt. Lake, brother Warren Lunz of St. James and granddaughter Kelsey Nelson of Butterfield.