Elroy A. “Tiny” Wendtland, 77, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Elroy was born Dec. 8, 1939, in Mequon, Wisconsin, and grew up in the Milwaukee area, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He moved to Austin in the mid-1980s, bought a home, and spent many years in transportation and the trucking industry. He was well-liked by all who met him and had a knack for finding his way into the hearts of all those who loved him.

He is survived by his partner of 30 years, Gail Wolfe ,and her family; brother, Donnie (Hope) Wendtland; sons, Michael (Sue) Wendtland and Dean Wendtland; and grandchildren, Evan, Collin (Terra), Adam, Bryan, Dylan and Katelyn.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Stella (Gengler) and Edward Wendtland; and his brother, Robert (Janet) Wendtland.

Elroy donated his body and organs to the Mayo Clinic Anatomy Department and, per his wishes, no public service will be held in Austin.