Gene Marcus Elam

Gene M. Elam, age 85, of Litchfield, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at St. Cloud Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills, MN, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM prior to the service. A visitation will also be held from 4:00–7:00 PM on Friday at Johnson Hagglund Funeral and Cremation in Litchfield. Military Honors will be provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard.

Gene Marcus Elam, the son of Opal and Angela (Carlson) Elam was born in Litchfield, MN on February 10, 1940. He was baptized on July 14, 1940 and confirmed on June 20, 1954, both at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN. He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1958.

On September 27, 1964, Gene married the love of his life, Janice Runke. Together, they built a life rooted in Faith, Love, and Family.

From a young age, Gene worked hard—helping on the family farm, working at his uncle’s gas station, and driving a milk truck. He later became a beverage distributor for Bernick’s Pepsi and eventually purchased his own farm, raising pigs, cows, and crops. Even after retiring from farming at 60, Gene continued serving others, working at Hutchinson Technology and later driving for Hick’s Central Community Transit and the Council for Aging. Gene had a deep love for the outdoors—he enjoyed camping, fishing, pheasant hunting, and weekends at the family cabin on Diamond Lake. He was always fixing something, playing cards, woodworking, or tending to his lawn. More than anything, Gene cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and school board.

Gene is lovingly remembered by his children: Mike (Carol) Elam of LeRoy, IL; Jeff (Dannelle Hartfiel) Elam of Buffalo, MN; Stephen (Penny) Elam of Moneta, VA; and Kristen Elam of Litchfield, MN. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jeremy (Haley), Benjamin, Cameron, Zachariah, Samantha, and Abraham; great-grandchildren Caroline and Logan; sisters Carol Kadelbach and Sandra (Jim) George; sisters-in-law Lois (John) Dahl, Shirley Mae Runke, Darlene Elam and Marlys Elam.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janice; his parents Opal and Angela; and brothers Alan, Lyle, Dean and Bob.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations, which will be distributed to charitable organizations.