Grigg Thomas ELKIN

ELKIN, PAINE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/1/2011 at 11:21:08

November 18, 1918 -- January 31, 2011

Grigg Thomas Elkin was born to Grigg Thomas and Lucy Marie Elkin on November 18, 1918 at Williams, Iowa. Grigg grew up on a farm north of Webster City and was educated in the Hamilton County school system. Grigg was united in marriage to Ellen Claire Paine on May 5th, 1940, and to that union four children were born: Mary Claire, Ronald Dean, Colleen Ellen, and David Grigg. In the early years of their marriage, he started his own trucking company before being inducted into the army in 1944. After qualifying as an expert rifleman he was assigned as a machine gunner with the 101st Infantry division Charlie Company 3rd platoon. He was wounded at Saar Union. After surgery he recovered in England. He rejoined his unit in Germany and fought until the end of the War. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Three Bronze Battle Stars on a Campaign ribbon, and The Victory Medal. After the war he started his own trucking business in Eagle Grove hauling many loads to Chicago, and over 123 trips to the Eastern Seaboard including New York and Boston. In 1953 he became the manager of the Propane Gas Co-op until 1970. He began a sideline business of custom application of anhydrous ammonia, leading him into farming, which he did until his retirement. During his retirement he purchased the Rod & Reel RV Park in Brownsville, Texas, expanding and managing it until it was sold in 1989.

Grigg served on numerous committees and boards. He was past president of Eagle Grove Rotary Club and was one of the individuals instrumental in the funding, and development of the Rotary Ann Home. He was on the building committee of the United Church of Christ. He served on the Chamber of Commerce board; was a life member of the Eagle Grove American Legion Post, serving as a past Commander and life member of the VFW in Fort Dodge. He was past president of the Iowa LP Gas Dealers Association and past president of the Iowa Agricultural Ammonia Distributors. Grigg was an avid fisherman and fantastic gardener. He loved restoring old boats and lawnmowers. For many years he raised several head of cattle supplying many households with quality beef.

Grigg passed away on Monday, January 31, 2011, at his home, at the age of 92 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Ellen; son, David Grigg; brothers: Gilbert, Percy, Carl, Virgil and Elmer and sisters: Bertha, Helen, Ruby, and Viola.
Survivors include his brother Don; children; daughter-in-law, Colleen; grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Eagle Grove with a lunch being served afterward for all friends and family. Visitation will be Friday, 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove. He was a simple prairie man who lived rich; we will all miss his zest for life. Suggested memorials are: Hospice, VFW, American Legion, and United Church of Christ.

Foust Funeral Home - Eagle Grove, Iowa
http://www.funeralplan.com/foustfh/obits?id=215838