Eldon Vincent Willander

Eldon Vincent Willander passed away peacefully with God at his side at the Clarkfield Care Center on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the age of 96 years, 6 months and 2 days.

Eldon and his twin sister, Ethel, were born on May 25, 1925 to parents Oscar and Emelia (Anderson) Willander in Tyro Township, Clarkfield, Minnesota. He graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served our country during World War II aboard the USS West Virginia in the South Pacific from 1944-1946.

After his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Eldon farmed and married Ramona Loken on April 11, 1970. He was a lifetime member of Augustana Lutheran Church.  Eldon enjoyed farming, hunting, gardening, fishing, raising his children, attending Navy reunions, and being a member of the St. Leo American Legion Post 524 and the Montevideo VFW.

Though Eldon was, for the most part, a quiet man, he still spoke up for what he believed in, trusted in the Lord, and loved with all his heart. He lived a full life working hard as a farmer, playing a very active role in raising his children and ensuring that they were brought up in a Christian home. He was proud of his military service and loved to talk about his time in the Navy during World War II.  He had a knack for remembering people’s names, always saying hello, and making each person that he conversed with feel special.

Eldon is survived by his children, Howard Willander and Julie Willander of rural Boyd, MN and Priscilla Willander of Jordan, MN. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Caden Johnson and Merron Johnson; brothers, William and Irvin Willander, numerous nieces and nephews, and close friend Diane Moen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Emelia Willander; wife, Ramona; brothers, Howard Willander, Delmer Willander, Oscar Wendell Willander, and Edgar Willander; sisters, Ethel Beck, Norma Hiepler, and Alicia Peterson, and numerous cherished aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 2 PM at Augustana Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment to follow at a later date in Fridhem Cemetery, Tyro Township, MN. Due to the recent surge in COVID cases, masks will be required in the church for the service. A video recording of the Celebration of Life will be available on this page following the service for those unable to attend.

Memorials preferred to the family and can be mailed to 301 4th St. W. Jordan, MN 55352 

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