Lonnie Longtin

Joseph “Lonnie” A. Longtin passed away Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier, ND. Services will take place at St. Boniface Catholic Church on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour before the service.

Lonnie, as he was known to most, was born at home on April 24th, 1942, near Walhalla, ND. He grew up and made fond memories with his 9 siblings and his parents, May and Henry Longtin. Lonnie attended school at a little country schoolhouse between Leroy and Walhalla or by his “Uncle Genes” per his brother, Clair. Lonnie attended school through the 8th grade at which time he went to work.

Lonnie worked for various farmers including his Uncle George where he made a lofty .50 cents per hour. He was drafted into the Army when he was 18 years old, where he worked as a lead cook, cooking and baking various things from homemade buns to chocolate cake, providing a sense of familiarity and “home” for those thousands of miles away from home.

After serving his Country in the Army, Lonnie worked in various elevators, including the Walhalla Elevator and the elevator in Erhard, MN where he served as a manager for some time. He later moved to Roseau, MN to continue his career in the elevator business before accepting another managerial position at an elevator in Salol, MN prior to his return to Walhalla.

Following his return to Walhalla, he met his first love, Avis. He married Avis Braun on August 27th, 1966, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla, ND where they made their home. There he owned and operated the Mobil Gas Station and Bulk Gas Truck in Walhalla, ND. He later sold the Mobil Station keeping the Bulk truck where he created countless memories with his nephews whom he cherished, with his nephews riding in the truck, stopping at Dairy Queen, eating their body weight in candy bars, and talking about life. The boys truly cherished that time with Uncle Lonnie.

Uncle Lonnie and Aunt Avis, while not having children of their own, had many children whom they loved dearly including all their nieces and nephews; Godchildren; and Norman Martineau who lived with them for a time. Perusing their home is evidence of the love they had for all in the family and too, those chosen as family, with many pictures adorning the walls and bookcases.

Lonnie lost his wife of 51 years, Avis, who passed away on March 19th, 2017.

Lonnie later married Gerry (Cook) Elke on July 10th, 2020, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla, ND. They lived in rural Walhalla and enjoyed riding horse, attending horse sales, and spending time with family.

Lonnie also enjoyed Chariot Racing at the Pembina County Fair, racing for 30+ years. He too enjoyed trail riding and making buggies out of wood.

Lonnie was a long-standing member of the Bartlette-Resler Legion Post #62.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and May Longtin; wife, Avis; siblings, Orise Carpenter, Cyril Longtin, Paul Longtin, Birdella Morin, Elmer Longtin, Wayne Longtin, Priscilla Thompson, Martha Hoffarth; and many other family members. He is survived by his wife, Gerry; brother, Clair Longtin and his wife Susie; and sister-in-law, Iris Longtin; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his stepsons, Michael (Janelle) Elke, Dale Elke, Darin Elke.