Elvon Hamilton, age 89, of Goodridge, MN, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at his residence.

Funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Timothy Lundeen officiating. Burial will follow at Poplar Grove Cemetery, Espelie Township, Marshall County, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Monday, December 12, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral.

Elvon Lee Hamilton was born on September 25, 1927 in Royal, NE at home on the family ranch the son of Lincoln and Catherine (Blackmore) Hamilton. He started school at 3 years old and attended country school through the 8th grade. At 16 years old, Elvon graduated from Atkinson High School as Valedictorian. At the age of 17, Elvon entered into service with the United States Navy. He was stationed at San Diego, Virginia Beach and Chicago and was Honorably Discharged. Elvon then returned to work on the family ranch at Stuart, NE.

On August 22, 1954, Elvon was united in marriage to GladysMae Weller in the Methodist Church in Atkinson, NE. They made their home near Stuart, NE where they lived with Elvon's parents for a couple of years and in 1956 moved to Clementson, MN then to Gatzke, MN to ranch. His horse and their cattle were shipped from Nebraska by rail. In 1964, they bought their ranch near Goodridge, MN in Moylan and Espelie Townships of Marshall County. Elvon and GladysMae worked right alongside of each other on the ranch. This union was blessed with two children, Evon and Scott.

Elvon learned the carpentry trade while living in Arizona and Florida and specialized in finishing work. In 1979, he started building their home which the family moved into in 1981. Elvon did lots of work for people in the Grygla and Goodridge area. He especially enjoyed working for cookies and sweets. Four and ½ years before retirement in 1989, Elvon and GladysMae went to work at Marvin Windows. GladysMae and Scott continued to take care of Elvon at home throughout his 26 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. A special thanks to LeRoy Irlbeck and Mary Carlson for their compassion and care.

Following retirement, they relocated to Pharr, TX for the winter months and stayed at Tip Of Texas Park . He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, reading westerns, gardening and sharing his produce, and loved building deer stands. He was a member of the Farmers Union Oil Board, Lions Club, and Saddle Club.

Survivors include children, Evon (Gene) Arveson of Trail, MN and Scott Hamilton of Goodridge, MN; step-grandchildren, Bryan Arveson of East Grand Forks, MN and Craig (MJ Larson) Arveson of Hopkins, MN; brother, Neale Hamilton of Stuart, NE; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful companion, Baby Doll.

He is preceded in death by his wife, GladysMae on September 16, 2016; parents; sister and brother-in-law, Luella (Dec. 6, 2013) and Max Karo, Sr.; and sister-in- law, Marge Hamilton.