Conway M. Elton

Conway M. Elton, age 86, of Winona, MN passed away on December 23, 2025.

He was born in Decorah, IA, on June 3, 1939, to Clarence (Cush) Elton and Mildred (Olson) Elton and grew up in Harmony, MN. Conway had one sister, Colleen (Lee) Fishbaugher and nieces Linda (Stan) Van Kekerix and Lyanne (Dennis) Hermel. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1957 where he referred to his graduating class as “57 straight from heaven.” In 1961, he graduated from Luther College in Decorah, IA, and moved to Austin, MN, to start as a teller for Home Federal Savings Bank (Alerus). He married Emily Prieur with whom he had two children, Kathryn (Andy) Elton Westley and Jeffrey (Jody) Elton. His loving grandchildren are Nicole Westley and Alyssa (engaged to Doug Walls), Ashley, and Addyson Elton. While in Austin, he also served in the National Guard.

In 1974, he moved to Winona, MN, to become the branch manager for Home Federal Savings Bank (Alerus). He worked there for 40 years before retiring as Senior Vice President in 2001. One of the unforeseen benefits of moving to Winona was the love he developed for spending time boating on the Mississippi River with his family and friends.

He married Elizabeth (Morken-Carlson) in 1981, welcoming her children Scott Howard, Lori (Fabrizio) Fabbri, Darin (Ron Caplinger) Howard, and Christopher (Angie) Carlson. Over the years the family grew to include loving grandchildren Alessandro Fabbri, Matteo (Tessa) Fabbri, Ilaria (Zach) Southworth, Vanessa Fabbri, Jayna Carlson (engaged to Brenden Schyma), and Josie Carlson. This year a new great granddaughter, Sienna Southworth arrived.

Conway was active in many organizations. Paramount were Central Lutheran Church, Winona State University Foundation Board for 20 years including time as past President, Elks member for 50 years, a Director of United Way in 1989, Winona Ambassador, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce (including past President). He was proud to be invited to and attend both the Ronald Reagan (1981) and George W. Bush (2001) inaugurations.

Other organizations close to his heart were Noon & Sunrisers Kiwanis Clubs, Red Cross, American Legion, Hilltop Dance Club, Cedar Valley and Westfield Country Clubs, ACBL Bridge Club, Woodcarvers of AZ, and Tuesday night 2-fer’s with good friends. He was a past Executive Director of the Miss Minnesota pageant and a judge for the Miss Wisconsin pageant.

Conway was active in retirement and never slowed down. He was a friend to all and ready to drive wherever someone wanted to go - even if it was a roundabout way to get there. He spent many winters in Mesa, AZ, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, enjoying his love of travel having been to 5 of 7 continents and all 50 states with wife Beth, and many, many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mildred and Cush Elton, and sister Colleen Fishbaugher, nephew-in-law Stan Van Kekerix, brother-in-law Alton (Marlys) Morken, sister-in-law Lois Houge, and brother-in-law in Charles Houge.

Visitation will be held at Central Lutheran Church in Winona on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 9:30 AM until the funeral service at 11AM. Following the service, a luncheon will be held in Grace Hall of the church. Conway will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona.

Pallbearers will be Conway’s 10 grandchildren, and the Honorary Pallbearers will be Conway’s close friends and business associates: Dave Arnold, Jim Engelbrecht, Dave Hazelton, Bob Skeels, and Frank Wohletz.

Remembrances can be directed to the Beth and Conway Elton WSU scholarship fund for non-traditional students or to Central Lutheran Church.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Conway’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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