Rev. Elwin Walvatne

Reverend Elwin Walvatne, 86, Fergus Falls, Minn., passed away Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, at PioneerCare, Fergus Falls. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, with 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, Minn., and one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, Minn., with Reverends Ed Monson and John Kilde officiating. Interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, Minn.
Elwin Burnell Walvatne was born July 20, 1930 in Fergus Falls, Minn., the son of Edwin and Bertha (Chensvold) Walvatne. Growing up in Fergus Falls, he attended Hillcrest Academy, graduating in 1948. Elwin went on to attend Moorhead Teacher’s College and graduated from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls in 1954.
Elwin began his career in ministry at Bigfork, Minn., and continued to serve churches in Antler, N.D.; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Cooperstown, N.D.; Malta, Mont.; and Lake Mills.
After retiring in 2003, Elwin returned to Fergus Falls, Minn., and served as an interim pastor in other locations.
On April 29, 1970, Elwin married Hanna Hatlevoll at Emanuel Lutheran Brethren Church, Edmonton, Alberta.
Elwin loved the Lord and ministering to people.  He also loved to sing and play music.  An avid reader, he read many books, and especially enjoyed reading the bible.  Elwin enjoyed the outdoors and was a gardener.
Elwin is survived by his wife, Hanna, Fergus Falls, Minn.; four children: Ove Hatlevoll, Moorhead, Minn.; Richard (Shellee) Hatlevoll,  Fargo, N.D.; Mark Steven (Lori) Hatlevoll, Moorhead, Minn.; and Elizabeth Walvatne, Fergus Falls, Minn.; three grandchildren: Julie (Philip) Carter, Aaron Hatlevoll, and Casey Hatlevoll; three siblings: Caroline (Jim) Rindahl, Norm (Char) Walvatne, and Arlene Jorud, all of Fergus Falls, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Bernice Walvatne, Rochester, Minn.; two brothers-in-law: Joe (Atsuko) Aasland of Calgary, Alberta; and Kaare (Carrie) Aasland, Vancouver, Canada; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Elwin was preceded in death by a brother, Richard; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Jorud and Kjell Aasland.