Adrian Joel Elness was born on December 8, 1957, in Windom, Minnesota to Norman and Sadie (Paulson) Elness. He was baptized at Hauges Lutheran Church in rural Bergen, Minnesota and later confirmed at American Lutheran Church in Windom. He attended and graduated from Windom High School in the Class of 1976.
In Adrian's younger days, he enjoyed racing go-carts around the track and was involved in track at school where he excelled at pole vaulting. He enjoyed working on cars, going to the races, working on his Model T car with his Dad and being with family. He helped care for his parents when their health declined and raised his brother after his Mom died. Adrian had a kidney transplant twenty-nine years ago. Adrian lived in Windom all of his life and worked at AgChem, Toro, Messer Machine and Mfg., and Horkey's Wood and Parts Inc.
Adrian was loving, caring and tender-hearted. He had a hearty laugh that everyone remembers. He was hard working, never complained, very independent and always willing to lend a helping hand. He touched the lives of so many and will be missed by many.
He passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Sunday morning, June 11, 2017 at the age of 59.
He is survived by two sisters, Norma (Richard) Loewen of Butterfield and Sharon (Robert) Richards of Clear Lake, IA; brother, Glen (Mary) Elness of Sioux Falls, SD; six nieces and nephews; four great-nieces and nephews; and three aunts, one uncle and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Blessed be the memory of Adrian J. Elness.