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Elford A. Stern Obituary – 11/1/2018


Elford A. Stern, age 92, of Norwood Young America, passed away Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.

He was born Sept. 9, 1926, in Watertown, the son of Henry F. Sr. and Regina (Jenneke) Stern. Elford was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Watertown.

Elford was united in marriage to Rosella Schwartz Dec. 17, 1947, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood Young America by the Rev. W.P. Kramer.

Elford was a farmer at heart, farming for a period of time, and also hauled bulk milk for a living. He loved building different things and was a talented craftsman, remodeling their entire home where their family grew up.

Elford enjoyed gardening with Rosella, driving around the countryside checking out the area crops, and he also restored an old tractor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosella; parents Henry Sr. and Regina Stern; brothers Louis, Leonard and Henry Stern Jr.; and brothers-in-law LeRoy Gutzke, and LeRoy Henning.

Elford is survived by his loving family: children and spouses Alan and Elaine Stern of Albany, Sandra and David Dickinson of Isanti, and Gary and Sandra Stern of Norwood Young America; grandchildren Bryan Stern, Sean Stern, Kyle Stern, Shari (Donny) Gentilini, Stephen Meyer, Stacy Meyer, Chad Stern, Chet (Pam) Stern, Aleaha (Jason) Bladow, and Trista Stern and special friend Ryan Peckham; and great-grandchildren Camron, Gabe, Niko, Luca, Marco, Samantha, Cloe, Molly, Wyatte, Calvin, and Elliott.

He is further survived by his sisters, Paulina Gutzke of Norwood Young America, and Lucille Henning of New Germany; brothers and sisters-in-law Donald and Rosie Stern of Mayer, Fred Stern of Hopkins, Carol Stern of Delano, and Phyllis Stern of Maple Plain; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Elford’s funeral service took place Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood Young America with the Rev. Josh Bernau officiating. Interment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

There was visitation Monday, Nov. 5 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the church, continuing Tuesday one hour prior to the service.

Casket bearers were Elford’s grandsons Bryan Stern, Kyle Stern, Stephen Meyer, Stacy Meyer, Chad Stern, and Chet Stern.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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