Eldor Edwin Rahn

Eldor Rahn, 92, died at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, Saint Marys Campus, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, after a long rewarding life.

Born March 15, 1921, in rural Hazen, Mercer County, N.D., to Wilhelm and Jacobina Rahn. He had seven siblings. He attended school in rural Hazen. In 1939, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Medora, N.D., and in 1941, he was transferred to Lanesboro. On Oct. 17, 1942, Eldor married Ardis Johnson in Peterson. He served in the United States Army during World War II, first based in San Francisco where he became a crane operator loading ships in the harbor bound for the Pacific Theater. Later, he was based in Guatacanal and the Philippines. He farmed near Highland for 54 years and also was a sought after crane operator.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports, playing cards, nurturing his family and expressing an individualized sense of humor. He was a member of the Lanesboro American Legion Post No. 40.

Eldor is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ardis; his children, Jackie (Paul) Feind, of Rochester, Sharon (Richard) Peterson, of Lanesboro, David (Joyce) Rahn, of Whalan, Steven Rahn, of Lanesboro, Judy (Joe Lukes) Erickson, of Altoona, Wis., Loren Rahn, of Eyota, and Elaine Rodgers, of Becker; 16 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. He also is survived by one brother, William Rahn, of Butte, Mont.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, one grandson and one great-grandson.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at First Lutheran Church of Highland in rural Lanesboro, with the Rev. Patricia Hinkie officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is in charge of arrangements. 507-867-4310. rileyfuneralhomes.com.