Elton Myron Gudvangen

Elton Myron Gudvangen, 87, died on December 22, 2024, at Denver Health Hospital in Denver, Colorado.

Elton was born on January 15, 1937, in Powers Lake, North Dakota, to Ernest and Minnie (Furness) Gudvangen. He grew up on the family farm west of McGregor, North Dakota, and graduated from McGregor High School in 1955. He attended UND in Grand Forks for a year and then a year at the Minot Business School before returning to northwestern North Dakota, where he married his high school sweetheart, Rose Marie Moberg, on June 1, 1957, in Battle View, North Dakota. The new couple lived in Minot, North Dakota, where their first two children were born, Randall (Randy) Myron and Renae Marie. Elton then joined the civil service, and the young family moved to Glasgow, Montana, where Elton worked with the US Postal Service. It was in Glasgow where they had two more children, John Erick and JoAnn Ellen.

Remaining with the Postal Service, Elton and the family moved to Colorado Springs in 1967 where they lived for the next 57 years. He retired as a letter carrier in 1995. The people on Elton’s mail routes loved him dearly for his friendly greetings and his commitment to service.

Elton and Rose were members of Atonement Lutheran Church in Pikes Peak Park until its closure. In later years, they joined Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. For many years, Elton (and Rose) enjoyed bowling with the Lutheran bowling leagues. They had many lifelong friends from their time in Colorado Springs.

Rose and Elton both loved music and worked hard to ensure that their children had opportunities to study music and to learn to play several instruments, most notably piano and accordion. Dad spent untold hours chauffeuring them to and from lessons, accordion band, church jobs and competitions.

Elton loved to go on road trips and was most comfortable behind the wheel of his car driving. He and Rose made many trips, usually to visit family in North Dakota or elsewhere in the country, and frequently one or two or three of the grandchildren traveled with them. Elton had many facets to him, as he could fix just about anything, lend a construction hand, work on cars, and he was great at untangling small jewelry items. He helped kids and grandkids with dozens of moves. He never asked for anything in return, always modeling kindness, generosity and a giving spirit to family and friends and his community.

Elton retained his wit throughout his life. He put people at ease with his unique sense of humor, and he brought delight to his family, and especially his grandchildren over the years with his quips, jokes, and animal sounds. He always enjoyed a good conversation even with strangers.

Elton is survived by his children Randy (Brett), Renae (Steve), John, JoAnn (Rodney), and daughter in-law Judy; his grandchildren Raechel (Alex), Emily (Nick), Laura, Allison, Erick, Quinn (Mayra), Marie, and Evan; great-grandson baby Rex; sisters-in-law Carol, Connie, and Goldie; brothers-in law Shine and Arlo; many cousins and beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Elton was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Rose Marie, his parents Ernest and Minnie Gudvangen, his brother Jerome, and his parents-in-law John and Olga Moberg and many aunts and uncles.

Elton will be loved forever and greatly missed. 

There will be a memorial service for both Elton and Rose Marie in Battleview, North Dakota at Bethel Lutheran Church at 2 pm on January 18, 2025, with a reception to follow in Tioga.