Gerald Sanford Elwood, 78, was born September 20, 1922 in Winnebago County, Iowa the son of Frank and Mary Elwood. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Faith in Iowa and graduated from high school.
On February 11, 1944 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Berhow in Albert Lea, Minn. and to this union eight children were born. He left to serve in the United States Army during World War II, and upon returning home he worked as an auto and tractor mechanic.
In 1950 he moved to Wisconsin to take over the operation of a farm Dorothy's uncle had operated. He farmed in rural Amery for many years retiring in 1995, but still keeping a finger in the operation of the farm now being run by his sons.
This past June the family farm was featured as part of Amery Farm City Days. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Deer Park.
Gerald died on Saturday, October 7, 2000, at the Amery Regional Medical Center in Amery. Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Homer, Neal, Floyd, Verl, and Robert and sister Dorothy.
Left to celebrate his life are his wife Dorothy of Amery; sons, Greg (Debbie) Elwood, Prescott, Ross (Lori) Elwood, Cambridge, Minn., Barry (Traci) Elwood, Amery, Brent (Dawn) Elwood, Amery; daughters, Carlene (Al) Mayotte, Austin, Minn., Barbara (Perry) Goetsch, Oconomowoc, Deborah (Terry) Skalicky, Grasston, Minn., and Pamela Elwood, Chicago, Il.; 21 grandchildren, as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held October 10 at the United Methodist Church in Deer Park with Rev. Sally Ankerfelt officiating. Singer was Lou Williamson. Organist was Jane Johnson.
Casketbearers were Matthew Mayotte, Seth Mayotte, Nathan Mayotte, Joss Johnson, Michael Elwood, and Nicholas Elwood. Honorary casketbearers were Spencer Gerald Elwood and Tayler Gerald Elwood.
Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park with the Williamson Funeral Home of Amery in charge of arrangements.
(New Richmond News)
