Edward Efta

Edward Efta, 91, of Greenbush, MN, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2915 in LifeCare Medical Center at Roseau, MN.

Edward Ernest Efta, the son of Joseph and Victoria (Blawat) Efta was born on April 25, 1924 in Barto Township, Roseau County, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Edward lived on the home farm in rural Greenbush, MN until around age eight when his family moved to the Wibaux, Montana area where he attended country school. After five years the family returned to Minnesota where Edward graduated from Greenbush High School in 1942.

In 1945 Edward joined the US Navy during World War II where he served aboard the USS Currituck AV-7, a sea-plane tender. He received an honorable discharge at the end of 1946. Ed worked for a short time in Cudahy, WI at Ladish, a steel manufacturing company, but then returned to farm in Minnesota. Ed always told stories about using his “mustering out of the Navy” pay to buy his first farm.

On June 15, 1954 Edward was united in marriage to Leona Kalka at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Drayton, ND. They enjoyed almost 50 years of marriage before her death in 2004. The couple farmed in Barto Township of Roseau County north of Greenbush for many years. They raised wheat, sunflowers, and other grains along with cattle and sheep. Ed had many sleepless nights during lambing season.

Edward loved to fish and spent many hours with family members fishing at Springsteel and Oak Island on Lake of the Woods where he built a cabin. Ed also enjoyed hunting and improving deer habitat while passing the hunting tradition down to his grandchildren.

One winter Edward and his brother James designed and built two self-propelled rock pickers. These rock pickers are still being used over 50 years later.

Edward was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church of Leo and presently of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church of Greenbush, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post # 88, St. Aloysius Men’s Club and the Karlstad Eagle’s Club. He passed away at LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau, MN on June 27, 2015 at the age of 91 years, 2 months and 2 days.

He is survived by one son: Myles (Sandy) Efta of Greenbush; three daughters: Renee (David) Koski of Audubon, MN, Debra Efta of Fargo, ND, Mary (Vern) Langaas of Greenbush; nine grandchildren: Danielle (Josh) Gunderson, Deven (Kimmy), Dayne (Briana) and Erin Efta, Mikkel Langaas, Cara (Rick) Sorenson, Alyssa, Katelyn and John Langaas and two great-granddaughters: Finley Gunderson and Abbygail Efta; one brother: Raymond Efta of Greenbush; two sisters: Irene Walter of Lee’s Summit, MO and Theresa (Ernie) Vatthauer of Red Lake Falls, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Leona, one son John in 1974 and two brothers, Alex and James.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 1 with a vigil prayer service led by Father Luis Buitron and Rosary led by Helen Kalinoski and Alice, Mrs. Floyd Blawat in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush. Music was by Jeanne Novacek and Steven, Joseph & Randy Hlucny and John Langaas.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, July 2 at 10:30 AM in St. Aloysius Catholic Church at Leo, MN with Father Luis Buitron, officiating. Music was by Jeanne Novacek, Annie Prestegord & Emily Lauiinger. James A. Efta was the Reader and Eucharistic Ministers were Cynthia Efta & Connie Stanislawski. Gift Bearers were Edward’s granddaughters, Danielle Gunderson, Erin Efta, Alyssa & Katelyn Langaas. John Wilebski III was the Altar Server. Pallbearers were Grandsons Deven & Dayne Efta & John Langaas, grandson-in-law Josh Gunderson and associates in the field, Bernie Brazier, Lee Blavat & Albin Pulczinski.

Burial was in St. Aloysius Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Moen-Zimek Post 88, American Legion of Greenbush. Funeral arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.