Elmer Leo Czech

Elmer L. Czech

Age 93 and long-time resident of Golden Valley, MN passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

Elmer Leo Czech was born December 24, 1928, in Opole, MN in a little farmhouse to the late Frank and Ada (Wochnick) Czech. He attended grade school in Opole, MN, Junior High in St. Cloud, MN, Senior High at St. John’s and Dunwoody Trade School for Sheet Metal. He worked at the University of Minnesota from 1954 - 1991. Elmer had an incredible mind and could solve problems and fix anything.  He was an extremely devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Elmer was a proud Navy Corpsman who loved his Country and served five years in the military starting on June 12, 1947, and was honorably discharged on June 11, 1952. During the Korean War he was attached to The First United States Provisional Marine Brigade, nicknamed the Fire Brigade. He was involved in several campaigns (Puson, Seoul/Incheon, Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir) that resulted in the successful evacuation of more than 100,000 North Korean men, women and children.  Elmer was honored with several Presidential Citations and Service Medals.  Many times he signed documents “I love my Country and only God and my Wife know how much.” Our family would like to thank Byong (Moon) Kim, (Kyung) Hyang Park, Gina (Chris) Kim, Sara Kim and their extended family and friends for hosting the wonderful Korean War Picnics in honor of the Korean War Veterans. Your love and gratitude toward Korean War Vets have made an enormous impact and you will always be considered family.

Elmer was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers National and Local #10, American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars and The Chosin Few.

Elmer met his loving wife Dorraine (Dory) at a dance in Rice, MN while on leave and married her on June 15, 1953. Together they raised six children and have 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren (Granny’s perfect dozens). They loved just being together, their church, babysitting, camping, traveling, country western music, line dancing, cards, sports (kids, grandkids, and MN Gophers), College World Series, bingo at McDonald’s, holidays at JJ’s restaurant, and visiting family and friends. We will totally miss his annual off-key singing birthday wishes every year. Elmer often expressed how much he loved his wife and always told Dory “I loved you then, I love you still, I always have, I always will.”

Elmer held such a big part of our hearts. He was a generous, kind and loving soul. We will miss him tremendously but find comfort in knowing he is in God’s hands now.

Preceded in death by parents Frank and Ada Czech, siblings Veronica Posch, Milo Czeck, Ervin Czech, and brother-in-laws Cyril Posch, Clarence Namyst and Donald Unzen. Elmer often told fun stories about his mother and how much he missed her and wished he could remember more of his father who passed away when he was 10 years old. His love of his parents and siblings was very apparent.

Survived by Loving Wife, of 68 years, Dorraine Czech; siblings, Betty Lou Namyst, Joseph Czech and Barbara Unzen; sister-in-laws, Mary Ann Czeck, Betty Ann Czech and Claudette Czech. Children: Frank (Kellee) Czech, Kathryn Czech, Marie (Jerry) Saliterman, Therese (Kent) Eveland, Paul (Kathy) Czech, Barb (Brian) Moran; grandchildren, Cole (Kasey) Czech, Logan (Katie) Czech, Callie (Lukas) Czech, Uma Czech, Mike (Andrea) Gellerman, Jenny (James) Tousignant, Micah (Chelsea) Eveland, Tiara (Jared) Walker, Rachel Czech, Jared Czech, Ed (Alannah) Moran and Nate Moran; great grandchildren, Izabelle Baysinger, Anthony Gellerman, Liam Gellerman, Louis Tousignant, Josie Tousignant, Leah Eveland, Carter Eveland, Trey Eveland, Jason Walker, Simon Walker, Mila Moran and Maya Moran.

A very special thanks to the entire Brighton Hospice Team, especially our visiting angels Jackie, Jessie and Nancy, your support and loving care will never be forgotten.

Visitation 9:30-10:30 AM, April 20, 2022, Mass at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 104 N. Forestview Lane, Plymouth, MN 55441.  Luncheon to follow. Masks requested.

Private burial at Fort Snelling.

Donations can be made in honor of Elmer to the Chosin Few online at chosinfew.org via Pay Pal, Debit Card or Credit Card under the "Donate" tab. Please make checks payable to The Chosin Few, and write "IMO Elmer Czech" on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to:

Headquarters, The Chosin Few
3 Black Skimmer Ct.
Beaufort, SC 29907