Elroy Bernard Stalberger

Elroy Bernard Stalberger, born on October 31, 1926 in Beaulieu, MN to Joseph and Mary (Winter) Stalberger, grew up on the family farm and went to country school in Beaulieu until the eighth grade. After school, he continued to help on the family farm until he enlisted in the United States Army on January 17, 1951. Elroy fought in the Korean War and was a recipient of a Purple Heart Medal due to injuries he sustained in combat. He was honorably discharged on October 17, 1952.

On November 11, 1952, Elroy was united in marriage to Cecelia DuChene. The couple raised 14 children, on their dairy farm where they lived for 49 years. They sold the farm in 1999 and moved to Clarissa, MN until 2004 when they moved to Detroit Lakes, MN for a few years before moving into Central Todd County Care center where Elroy continued to live until his passing.

Elroy had the gift of music. He never had formal music lessons, but could sit down at a piano and start to play beautiful music. Although he was good on the piano, his number one instrument to play was his famous accordion. He loved polka music and enjoyed playing for his family and friends if there was an opportunity. Elroy enjoyed many things and made memories with his family by playing ice hockey with his kids, snowmobiling, baseball, and golf. Later in life, when his body just wouldn’t allow him to be as active, he would enjoy nature and watching the birds. Elroy was a dedicated fan of the Vikings and Twins. What made Elroy the happiest, was to be around his family. He enjoyed to see everyone and loved to hear stories about the grandchildren.

Elroy will be greatly missed by his children: Margaret (Tom) Claussen of Eagle Bend, MN, Ramona (Clifford) LaDue of Clarissa, MN, Larry Stalberger of Bloomington, MN, Ronald (Jill) Stalberger of Clarissa, MN, Barbara (Gaetan) Freynet of Eagle Bend, MN, David (Marlene) Stalberger of Waubun, MN, William (Carol) Stalberger of Waubun, MN, Kathy (Jeffery) Perrine  of Rocheert, MN, Brian (Christine) Stalberger of Rochert, MN, Richard (Brandy) Stalberger of Wiconia, MN, Lee (Jeanne) Stalberger of Detroit Lakes, MN, Randy (Jodi Cincush) Stalberger of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Matthew (Celest) Stalberger of Bemidji, MN; 35 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Cecelia, parents: Joseph and Mary, and daughter, Patricia Mary.