DONALD PAUL ELSTON

Donald Paul Elston, age 85, died on November 3rd 2017 in Mayville, ND. Donald Elston, son of Sylvia (Gunkel) and Paul Elston, was born near Clifford, ND. As a small child, he and his family moved three and half miles northeast of Hope. Don graduated from Hope High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He received his honorable discharge after spending the biggest share of his time in Japan during the Korean War. He returned from the War and attended NDSU, lettering 4 years in baseball, graduating in 1961. He began work the same year as assistant County Agent with the Extension Service at Cavalier. While working in the extension service, he met Carol Nelson and they were married June 22, 1963 at Clinton Minnesota. They remained at Cavalier one more year after their marriage before returning to the home farm in 1964. Don retired from farming in 1996 but continued to help out driving combine or going on part runs. Don was very active and enjoyed gardening, playing softball into his 60’s and golf in his later years. His passion was for baseball. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and the NDSU Bison baseball and football teams. Don and Carol were NDSU Bison Football team maker members and attended many games at the Fargodome. Don and Carol enjoyed going to Mesa, AZ and became official “snowbirds” in 1995. They stayed very active with park activities, day trips, dancing and playing guitar in the band. Don was the Chairman for the Steele County Water Resource Board and served for 26 years. Don also served on the Red River Joint Water Board. He was Commander for the Jefferson Steinke Legion Post #18 in Hope, ND. Don had served on the Hugo Township Board and as chairmen for the Redeemer Lutheran Church Board. Donald is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol Elston; daughter Laurie Elston of Valley City, ND; son, Curt Elston of Hope, ND; son Paul (Kasey Cole) Elston of Hope, ND; grandchildren, Randy and Kaylauna; great grandsons, Collin and Jeremy; sister Olive Wennerstrom of McMinnville, OR; sister Helen Hashbarger of Denver, CO; sister Pauline Lentz of Valley City, ND; brother Richard Elston of Ramona, CA; sister Arlene Haley of Lake Havasu, AZ. He was preceded in death by his son Gary Donald Elston and both of his parents. Visitation will be at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, November 8th 2017, in Hope, ND 10:00am – 11:00am, funeral service at 11:00am. Interment will be in the Hope Cemetery.