Elwyn Merle Saugstad

MARSHALL – Funeral services for Elwyn Merle Saugstad, 77, of Marshall, formerly of Huron, S.D., will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Evangelical Free Church in Marshall. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. today at the church. Interment will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, in Restlawn Memory Gardens at Huron. Military Rites provided by U.S. American Legion Post 7 of Huron.

Elwyn died Thursday, July 10, 2014, at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D., due to complications from heart surgery.

Elwyn was born on Aug. 4, 1936, in Spink County, S.D., to Edwin and Mary (Fraiser) Saugstad.

As a young child, he moved to a farm near Hitchcock, S.D. He graduated from Hitchcock High School in 1953, then attended Huron College for a couple of years. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Hitchcock. On Oct. 19, 1963, he was united in marriage to Rita Sykora. The couple made their home and raised their twin boys in Huron. Elwyn worked as a meat and livestock inspector for the state of South Dakota for 37 years. In 2011, the couple moved to Marshall to be closer to family. Elwyn was passionate about his family. He enjoyed following his boys activities and later his grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, bus trips, playing cards and following the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

Elwyn was a man of character. He was respected by his peers and loved by many. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Through over 50 years of marriage, the couple created a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife, Rita, of Marshall, children Bruce (and Linda) and Scott (and Staci) Saugstad, grandchildren Austin, Kelsey, Morgan, Nick, and Lexi, all of Marshall, siblings Lodema (and Everett) Randall of Redfield, S.D., Eldon (and Ann) Saugstad of West Bend, Wis., Norman Saugstad of Aurora, S.D., Margie (and Roger) French of Windom, Cleo (and Ron) Voeller of Sioux Falls, S.D, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two nieces and one nephew.