Elvin A. Olfert was born on April 30, 1923, to Dietrich M. and Katharina (Franz) Olfert on the family homestead in Lustre, Montana. He was a remarkable child, he used to say, as he never fought with his brother. Actually, he only had 4 sisters, Elsie was older, and after him came Linda, Ethel, and Marilyn.
To keep the little one-room school open, he was enrolled in school before the age of 5. As he was pushed along, he developed a dislike for formal schooling and chose an early graduation before completing the 9th grade. Learning, however, was a life-long passion of his, evident in his future interests and creativity in developing farming tools and equipment. He tried the computer but somehow it didn’t respond to his familiar tools.
At the age of 17, Elvin had a hay wagon accident while helping in the harvest which laid him up for a year, keeping him out of World War II. While he did not serve his country in the military, he faithfully served his community and his neighbors throughout his life. Always ready to lend a hand or an airplane ride he still enjoyed most sneaking out the back door unnoticed. That’s exactly how he left us a week ago. He saw good harvests, poor harvests, and watched crops destroyed by hail, but he was always ready to plant the next one, knowing that God would sustain his family.
He married Selma Toews on March 23, 1946 and together they raised their family on that same farm, living there until his passing on December 23, 2017. After they married, they settled into their house in Lustre, a remodeled granary, where they raised their three children. Not content to have a small garden of potatoes, he would plant a few rows of potatoes, ¼ of a mile long. In later years, we would tease him about supplying the US Army. (Of course, as kids, we’d have to hoe them!) His family was always important to him, and there were many summer trips to Fort Peck Lake, often with his best friend, Marvin Dick and his family. Another highlight was a few trips to Glacier National Park and a cabin on Lake McDonald.
He was ready for a good time, entertaining children in church, and even taking nephews and nieces bowling when they tired of singing German songs at the family Christmas gatherings. But the kids and some of the uncles always enjoyed going along.
In his retirement, Elvin never met a new easy chair that he could not add to his living space. But his trips to the shop “to check on things” were frequent as was his willingness to drive an errand. In his younger years, he enjoyed scaring the ladies with his driving; he was still doing this in his 90’s.
When their daughter, Jeanette, became ill with cancer about 12 years ago, Elvin and Selma were faithful in caring for her, and spending many months with her during her treatments. His tenderness during that time, and his faithful care for his wife of almost 72 years, Selma, continued to demonstrate his consistent love for his family.
Dad was a man of integrity. With his hands and feet he loved the Lord, his family, his work, his community, his church, and his neighbors. Daily he verbalized gratitude for God’s grace and mercy.
Elvin is survived by one sister Ethel (Frank) Wiens, his wife of nearly 72 years, Selma Toews Olfert, and two sons and their families: Kenneth (Robin) Olfert of Seattle, WA and Ronald (Etta) Olfert of Lustre, MT, 9 grandchildren and 25+ great grandchildren.
Shelley K. says
Many prayers for your family and for precious Selma. I feel very fortunate to have know Elvin and rejoice that he is with his Savior.
Jan Pnakratz says
Our sincere condolences. What a privilege to have known Elvin! Loved the twinkle in his eye and I have never seen anyone eat so many perishke while working at Schmeckfest! Those vest pockets came in handy!
What a comfort your many memories must be for all of you. May God comfort you as you share Elvin’s legacy of love for the Lord and his family. Much love to all of you, Jan & Arlyn
Leroy and Sharon says
Dear Aunt Selma and family, we pray that God will comfort you in this time of loss. We have great respect for Uncle Elvin.
Daryl Fast says
Dear Aunt Selma and family, our thoughts are with you in the coming days and weeks. I have great memories from the times I was around Elvin – not only the summers I spent in Montana but all the times before or since, when we would visit or when you’d come our way. Elvin was always a star and a role model for me.
J and Lisa Epp says
Our sympathies to the family. A lot of good memories. I can still see his grin when I came back from music contest with pitch black hair and he whispered in my ear after church “I thought blonds had more fun”. Or watching him shaking his head as he watched J working on a car in his shop. What a great life he lived and now with his Heavenly Father.
Pat Redekopp says
We would like to send our love and sympathy to Elvin’s family. Elvin and Selma were such an encouragement to Pat as a young single teacher coming to Lustre in the 60s. We also remember his smile and hospitality throughout our years in Lustre.
Pat, Carol, and Jim Redekopp
Larry French says
My sympathy. What a great fun person he was. Always a smile and a laugh.
Larry and Donna French