Larry Lee Elit, 80, of Rushford, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, at his home in rural Rushford.

Larry was born to Irene (Seefeldt) and George Elit on April 7, 1937, in Austin, Minnesota. He lived on the family farm in Elkton, Minnesota. Larry moved to Dexter, Minnesota, in 1946 with his mother and grandparents. Larry graduated from Elkton High School in 1955. He then joined the United States Air Force and was on active duty for four years.

In 1959, Larry was hired at IBM in Rochester, Minnesota, where he worked for 35 years. In 1966 he re-enlisted and served with the 96th Tactical Airlift Squadron, “Flying Vikings,” Air Force Reserve. Later, two of his sons would also serve with him in the 96th in the late 1980s. He served 30 years with the Reserves until his retirement in 1990.

He was an avid sportsman along with gardening, research, literature, woodworking and geology.

Larry married Elaine (Drugg) Elit in 1961. From this 27-year marriage came four children, Brian Elit of Peyton, Colorado, Wayne Elit of Hanover, Minnesota, Erich (Mendie) Elit of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Dawn Elit-Arnett (Darrell Calhoun) of Cedaredge, Colorado. He has four granddaughters and one grandson.

In 1989, he married Priscilla (Adams) Elit. They were later divorced. From this marriage Larry had one child, Laura Elit of San Antonio, Texas, and another granddaughter.

His companion, Penny Hatlan, has resided with him and cared for him throughout his illness.

Preceding him in death are his parents, George in 1969 and Irene in 1997; as well as a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.

There will be a funeral service for Larry at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford with the Rev. Allen Hanson officiating. Interment will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Leave a memory of Larry and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.