Elwyn O Vanous

POW – WWII Veteran Today we remember a true American hero and a N.D. Cowboy. Elwyn O.Vanous, 94, Mandan formally of Driscoll, ND, passed away January 7, 2011, at Med Center One Care Center off Collins, with his family by his side. Services will be on Monday, January 10, at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church, 408 9th St NW, Mandan, with the Rev. Lee Herberg and Rev. Ron Hildahl officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery in Steele N.D. with full military honors. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, January 9, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one prior to the service at the church. The family invites you to join them for refreshments and fellowship at the Amvets Club Post #9, 2402 Railroad Ave, Bismarck, immediately following the funeral service. Elwyn was born March 11, 1916, near Driscoll, ND, to Emil and Minetta Saur Vanous. He grew up on his family farm in Driscoll. Elwyn was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served his country during WWII from 1941-1945, held captive as a POW for one year and one day. He was captured in Africa, after spending time in three prison camps in Italy he escaped, and walked 700 miles across Italy, traveling at night until he reached friendly lines. He received medical care and was sent home. Elwyn was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant and received numerous medals and WWII honors. He returned to North Dakota and married Helen Attletweedt on June 9th, 1946. They farmed in the Driscoll area for many years, during this time four sons were born then moving to California, where their only daughter was born. Returning to ND Elwyn worked for Northern Improvement Construction Company working road construction all across the state. Helen passed away in 1966. With five children to raise alone Elwyn needed to work close to home so he worked for Northern Improvements cattle ranch in Bismarck. In December of 1969, Elwyn married Helen Jenner. They continued to live and work on Northern's ranch until he retired. They then moved to the Driscoll – Steele area and Elwyn couldn't stay retired he enjoyed working for area farmers for the next few years. They lived in Tuttle until 2008 when Elwyn joined his sister at The Golden Manor Nursing Home in Steele and then settling in at the care center in Mandan. Elwyn was a true cowboy and had a passion for working with horses and a passion for the fun they provided to others. Known for the hundreds of hay rides he gave over the years to numerous church groups. Elwyn enjoyed trail rides around the state, and riding the Pikes Peak Fur Trapping Expedition in Colorado as Honorary member of the Colorado Territory Regulators. He enjoyed all rodeo events, and was a former rodeo pickup man, a founding member of the Steele Rodeo Assoc. in the 1950's. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and neighbors, playing cards, dancing, and all the memories made with his family. He was a life time member of: American Ex-Prisoners of War, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS and American Legion. Elwyn is survived by his wife, Helen, Mandan; sons, Laurie Phyllis Wyoming, Tracy Cindy Bismarck; daughter, Mercedes Roger Clark Bismarck; daughter-in-law Diana Vanous, Bismarck; son-in-law, Les Merkel, CA, step-son, Maynard Jenner, Bismarck; step-daughter, Arlys Jenner, Sterling; his grandchildren, Lyle & Darrin Forderer, Samuel Carrie, Vanous Sara Wes Jiras, Nathan Vanous, Tiffany Duane Kroh, Heather Colin Engel, Lonnie Jenner, Lisa Kroh, Leanne Bill Toepke, Toby Missy Jenner, Jesse Merkel, and Tonya Merkel; # 11 little cowboys and # 10 little cowgirls great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; Brothers, Leonard Edna, Emil Alice, all of Arizona; a sister Fern Hadsall Bismarck; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Helen; sons, Naylor and Craig; step-daughter, Sharon Merkel; brother, Harvey; and sisters, Dorothy and Cora. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Elwyn Vanous to the "Kidder County Veterans Memorial Fund" Box 225, Steele, ND, 58482.

Elwyn O Vanous

March 11, 1916 - January 7, 2011