Irvin Junior Elkin, age 85, of Amery, WI passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at the Amery Hospital.
Irvin was born at home on the family farm in Wagon Landing on May 5, 1929 to Clifford and Ruth (Moe) Elkin in Amery, WI. He attended Wagon Landing School until it was destroyed in a fire. They held classes wherever space was available. He then attended high school in Amery. Irvin entered the United States Army where he served in the Korean War until being honorably discharged. On May 22, 1954 he was united in marriage to Janet Gorres and to this union four children were born. When they were first married they operated an A & W Root Beer Stand in Stillwater, Minnesota. Irv then worked as a linotype operator for West Publishing Company in St. Paul. After his father passed away he moved back to Wagon Landing to operate the family farm, a career lasting for the next 42 years. During his years farming he served as National President of AMPI for 22 years. Irvin was active in his community and coached Little League Baseball, 4-H Softball and worked with the FFA. He also enjoyed bowling and golfing when time allowed. Irv served on the Polk County Board for a short time. Irvin was a lifetime member of East Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Amery and served on church council. Sixteen years ago they sold the farm and moved to Amery where they have resided since. He and Janet enjoyed time traveling to many places.
Irvin was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Charles Elkin. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet; 3 sons, Eric (Pam) Elkin, Brian (Annette) Elkin and Kent (Laura) Elkin; a daughter, Cheryl Kirk (Jerry); 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Iris Lien and Eunice Filkins as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the East Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Amery, WI with Pastor Kathy Pennington officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 16th from 4 – 7 PM at the Williamson-White Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the services Tuesday at the Church. A private family interment will be held at the East Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
A video tribute and online guest book are available at www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were entrusted to the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 222 Harriman Avenue North Amery, WI 54001.