Eldred Erwin Dexter

Eldred Erwin Dexter, 77, of Menahga, MN passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at his home surrounded by loved ones. On April 20, 1937, Eldred was born to Erwin James and Clarissa Calva (Blanchard) Dexter at home in Orton Township, Wadena County, MN. He was baptized, confirmed and attended camp JIM (Jesus in Me), where he learned to love the Lord. Like so many in the area, he started his education at a country school then went onto Sebeka High School, Class of 1955. After graduating, he went where the work was, which was in North Dakota on the Deeker Farm in addition to working as a sugar beet farmer there. At an early age, Eldred developed an interest in saw milling, which later became not only his profession but also his greatest passion. In 1960 he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in active duty and was honorably discharged as a SP4 (E-4) in 1962. Eldred is a lifetime member of the Sebeka American Legion Post 456. His hobbies included dancing, guns, hunting, fishing baseball, trap shooting and bowling. In 1963 Eldred married Kathleen (Pam) Funk. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Kristine. In 1983 he wed Malinda Lalum (Johnson) and helped raise her two sons Bryan and Christopher. They were involved in raising horses and active in the local 4H activities. In 2002, Eldred and Karen Clemons (Matthews) were united in marriage. They shared their time between Menahga, MN and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico for the next 10 years. Eldred enjoyed spending time visiting with others at the Menahga Bake Shop as well as at the Menahga VFW on burger night. Eldred will be lovingly remembered by his wife Karen and her daughter Kimberly of San Francisco, CA; Lisa Dormanen and her husband Charlie of Menahga, MN; Kristine Uppman and her husband Tom of Belle Plaine, MN; four grandsons: Derek, Brett, Kyle and Sean Dormanen and two great-granddaughters Carly Dormanen and Emma Dormanen. Also lovingly remembered by his large circle of close family members and friends, too numerous to mention. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother Edwin Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Sebeka United Methodist Church in Sebeka, MN and one hour prior to the Service. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Friday October 3, 2014 at Sebeka United Methodist Church with Pastor Steven Koehne officiating. Berg Nylund American Legion Post 456 Sebeka, MN will provide Military Honors. Interment will be at Shell City Cemetery. A Celebration of life service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico in the Spring of 2015; details to follow.