Elwood Ervin Wright

Elwood Ervin Wright was born Dec. 18, 1935 at home in St. James, MN. He was the son of Ervin and Evelyn (Sorenson) Wright and grew up in rural St. James. He was Confirmed and was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church. He graduated from St. James High School in 1953. Elwood worked at Crowley Motors until entering the Army. When he returned he worked for the Ormsby Elevator. On Aug. 22, 1959 he married Irene Jane Hanson. They farmed together for 30 years. While farming he also worked at the St. James Plating Plant. Elwood went on to work for Swift Eckrich, Mathiowetz and Hodgeman Construction. After retiring from road construction he worked at Pamida in St. James unloading trucks until 2006 when he fully retired due to Parkinsons. Elwood loved to travel, camp, play Hand and Foot, Cribbage, collecting toy trucks, baseball hats and spending time with his Grandchildren. Elwood was a member of Farm Bureau where he served as Treasurer, Secretary, and President. He was a Lifetime member of the American Legion and served as Legion Commander. He was also a member of Sertoma and Lions Club. He was involved in 4-H with his two sons. Elwood is survived by his wife Irene, sons Todd (Kathy) Wright of LaSalle, Jeff (Gina) Wright of St. James, five Grandchildren Nathan Wright, Cheyenne (Shanandoah) Connell, Holly Connell, Dylan Wright, Kali Wright, three Great Grandchildren Michael and Cayla Wright and Adelyn Wolters. Brothers and Sisters Eunice Wiederhoeft of St. James, Twin Sister Elaine Panzer of Albert Lea, Eldora (Clifford) Wolle of St, James, Eldon (Joleen) Wright of St. James, Eunella Wright of St. James, Everette (Joni) Wright of Cottage Grove and several nieces and nephews. Elwood is preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Evelyn, two brothers-in-law Delbert Wiederhoeft and Bill Panzer. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sunday, August 2, 2015 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Monday, August 3, 2015 First Lutheran Church, St. James 716 6th Ave. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Monday, August 3, 2015 First Lutheran Church, St. James 716 6th Ave. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James S. CR 27 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Military Honors to be provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard. Fellowship Following services at the cemetery lunch will be served at the church fellowship hall.