Donald Norbert Elgas

Join our family in toasting a life well lived. 

Donald Norbert Elgas, 89, passed away at home in Salem, Oregon, on July 17, just a few months shy of 90 years old. 

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nancy M. Elgas, 11 children, two stepchildren, 31 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

Don was born on Nov. 8, 1934, in West Allis, Wisconsin to Louis and Helena Elgas and was the youngest of four brothers: Clarence, Leroy and Eugene. 

While his family would eventually relocate, he carried his love for the Green Bay Packers for the rest of his life. At the age of nine, his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona and Don discovered the Phoenix International Raceway and a love for racing. He spent countless years alongside his brothers volunteering at the track, meeting and taking photos of his favorite drivers.

A veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Don served for four years, including a year at the Cape Decision Lighthouse. On his return to Phoenix, Don pursued a degree at Arizona State University. 

Don then began a career with the U.S. Corp of Engineers as a powerhouse operator. His career took him from Arizona to Wyoming, Montana and finally Oregon.

Don married Lucia Joan Bojorquez on April 26, 1956. 

They had 11 children: Elizabeth Toay, Margaret Elgas, Mary (George) Douzenis, Michael (Kris) Elgas, Mark (Bonnie) Elgas, Melinda (Steve) Bachini, Dennis (Lydia) Elgas, Heather Elgas, David (Jamie) Elgas, Danny (Erin) Elgas and Jeanne (Jeremy) McEwen. 

On April 15, 1985, Don married Nancy Marie, who brought her two children, Larry Parker and Gina (Kevin) Irwin, to the family. Don said on numerous occasions that he only needed to look at his children, grandchildren and gre-grandchildren to know that he had left his mark on the world.

Don and Nancy spent 39 happy years together traveling, golfing, playing cribbage, gardening and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Don enjoyed all types of music, volunteered at the Mount Angel Oktoberfest and collected anything from old-time radio shows to stamps.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Mount Angel, Oregon. A reception in the church parish will follow the service. 

Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Cape Decision Lighthouse Society (www.capedecisionlight.org) or to a charity of your choosing.