Elner I. Dillavou, 97, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, at Primrose Retirement Community.

He was born in a log cabin on March 15, 1921, in Newry Township, Minnesota, the son of Wayne and Ethel (Solt) Dillavou. Elner graduated with the Austin High School Class of 1939. He worked as a builder, a farmer, a livestock dealer, and operated a commodities business with Bob Hartnell. Later, Elner’s son Ron came into the business. He always enjoyed his work. In September of 1942, Elner enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country in Europe and the Philippines until his honorable discharge in January 1946. On Nov. 28, 1946, he was united in marriage to Lois Hougard at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with two children. In 1950, the Dillavous moved to their farm near Rose Creek, Minnesota. Elner served on the Rose Creek School Board and was a past member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he enjoyed hosting hog roasts. His other leisure activities included working with horses, entertaining kids with wagon rides, caroling and traveling. Elner made several trips overseas. His family meant the world to him, and he especially treasured time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Elner will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife. Lois Dillavou of Austin; his son, Ron (Patricia) Dillavou of Rose Creek; his daughter-in-law, Darlene Dillavou of Mankato, Minnesota; four grandchildren, David (Julie) Dillavou, Michelle Dillavou (Alex Sirois), Linsey (David) McDonald and Christina Dillavou; three great-grandchildren, Ryan McDonald, Reagan McDonald and Benjamin Sirois; and his brother, Larry Dillavou of Mississippi. Elner was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Wayne; one sister, Marion Arenson; and his sister-in-law, Joanne Dillavou.

A private family funeral service will be held at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Pastor Mike Olmsted officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Memorials can be directed to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, North Hampton, MA 01061-0515, the Mayo Clinic Hospice Program, 101 14th St. NW, Austin, MN 55912, or recipient of donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. The family wishes to express a special ‘thank you’ to the staff of Primrose Retirement Community in Austin and to the Mayo Clinic Hospice staff for the wonderful care given to Elner during his last days. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.