Alton Eklund

Alton Eklund, age 87, of St. James, died on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at the St. James Medical Center in St. James. Alton Gerald Eklund was born May 8, 1920 at St. James, MN, to parents Oscar and Clara (Bjoin) Eklund. Alton grew up in St. James where he attended country school district 23. He graduated from St. James High School in 1938. He served in the Air Force during WWII and was stationed in the Burma India Theater. Alton farmed in Nelson Twsp until his retirement in 1982. He married Yvonne (Herrlie) Olsen on February 27, 1965. Following retirement the couple moved to Cordes Lakes, AZ where they made their home August 2006 when they returned to St. James and became residents at Homestead. Alton was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion where he served 16 years as Adjutant, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and East Sveadahl Lutheran Church in St. James, the 40 8 Club in Mankato, and was a member of Elmer his boys clown club for more than 20 years. Preceding him in death were his parents, infant twin brother, infant sister and a daughter-in-law, Geraldine Olsen. He is survived by his wife Yvonne Eklund of St. James, sons and daughters-in-law Duane Carolyn Olsen of Lincoln, NE, Andrew Olsen of Mesa, AZ, Ronald Connie Olsen of Lamberton, Richard Louise Olsen of St. James, 7 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren.