Elvin Fezler

Elvin E. Fezler, age 94 and longtime resident of Osakis died early Friday, May 18, 2007 at the Community Memorial Home in Osakis, MN where he lived for the last four years. Elvin was born on March 29, 1913 in Blue Earth, MN. His parents were Trask and Sarah (Nash) Fezler. He attended school in Osakis and was very athletic. He helped his high school basketball team advance to the State tournament and was also a member of the baseball team. He attended college in Moorhead, MN. Elvin worked as a butter maker at the Osakis and Holdingford Creameries. On August 3, 1940, El was married to Edith O'Gara in Sauk Centre. They moved to California where they operated a shoe store. After a couple of years, they decided to move back to Minnesota and settled in Osakis where they owned and operated a men's clothing store called Fez Quality Clothes. In October of 1945 their son, William Davy was born. After a tragic fire destroyed their clothing store, Elvin surprised many when he changed businesses and decided to start raising turkeys and chickens instead. Upon his retirement, he sold his turkey business to Robert Sinotte. His dearly loved wife, Edith passed away on April 1, 1981.
Elvin drove school bus for Osakis Public Schools for over 30 years. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Osakis and served on the council as well as many community boards. He enjoyed fishing and golfing and could tell many great stories about his adventures. He was always a great advocate for the community of Osakis. He was well known around his neighborhood for the meticulous care he took of his home and yard.
Elvin is survived by his sister, Mina (Norman) Goodwin of Kensington; nephews, Stan (Bonnie) and Roger Schultz,, Jim (Kathy) Johnson, David (Martine) Fezler; nieces, Bonnie Isakson, Jaclyn (Bruce) Halvorson, Pat (Jim) Keller, Kay (Dale) Nibbe, Ann Tomaszewski, Judy Cramer, Ann Marie Beck, Sarah (Rick) Allex, Linda (Dennis) Lowry; special friend, Marion Fraser.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Edith in 1981 and his son, Bill in 1995; 2 sisters, Ila Mae Fezler and Erma Schultz; 3 brothers, Wayne, George and Lloyd Fezler; 2 nephews, Richard Fezler and Ted Johnson and a niece, Charlene Gerstenberger.
Funeral services for El were held on Monday, May 21, 2007 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Osakis with Rev. Kathy Schuler officiating. Musicians were organist, Ellen Bangtson and soloist, Dana Hetland. A luncheon was served in the fellowship hall following the ceremony with a private interment to be held at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Honorary pallbearers were Neil Gillis, Bob Pederson, Bill Roy, Jim Ellis, George Bischoff, Norman Goodwin, Bruce Niehoff, Ray Mikkelson, Rev. Tim Sutton and all of his friends.
Active casketbearers were Stan, Jason, Craig and Roger Schultz, Darrin Isakson, Andrew Halvorson, Wade Nibbe, David Fezler,Jim & Brock Johnson and Ross Tomaszewski. Arrangements were with the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.