Elvin J. Gilyard was born in Princeton, MN to Ervin and Ellen (Gustafson) Gilyard. He died peacefully at the CentraCare Monticello Care Center, on November 29, 2022. Elvin requested no funeral service and burial will be at South Santiago Lutheran Cemetery.

Elvin proudly served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957.  He was stationed at Fort Bliss Army Base, in El Paso, TX. He enjoyed sharing memories from his military era. He often talked about the twelve letters his father wrote to him, while he was in the service. These letters were his most prized possessions. He felt it was important to eat healthy, and stay away from food preservatives. He developed COVID-19 twice in 2022.  

Elvin takes with him many historical facts and stories about days gone by in the Glendorado, Santiago, Becker, and Clear Lake areas, where he spent most of his life. His mother died when he was six years old, and his father raised five sons.  Elvin worked various jobs throughout his life, in Anoka, St. Cloud, Santiago, Becker, and Princeton. He was a hard worker. His coworkers spoke highly of him. Elvin had connections with many people; his friends were like family to him.

Elvin is survived by brothers Virgil, Lee and sister-in-law Dorothy, and eleven nephews and nieces, Marcy (Rau), Kermit, Carol, Nancy (Wagner), Dwight, Kristine (Kelly), John, Julie, Joel, Maxine (McClellan), and Tom. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Austen, nephew Alan Gilyard, and sister-in-laws Muriel and Joyce Gilyard.

A special thank you to the staff at the CentraCare Monticello Care Center, and CentraCare Hospice, for their compassionate care provided to Elvin.

Serving the family is Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN.