In Memory

Gregory B. Elftmann

Gregory B. Elftmann

Private services were held Saturday in Minneapolis for Gregory Elftmann, a career diplomat with the State Department who died of an apparent heart attack in Stockholm on July 4, 2005 while jogging. He was 58.

Born in Minneapolis, Elftmann was a 1964 graduate of Edina High School. He received a bachelor's degree in the classical cultures of ancient Greece and Rome at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., and a master's and Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania.

He taught classics at several colleges before joining the State Department in 1983.

"He had a desire for public service and to do some traveling," said his brother-in-law, Craig Wildfang of Eden Prairie. …

 
 



 
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05/07/14 10:56 AM #1    

Gail F. Hughes

I remember Greg very well from elementary school, because he was the best friend of my next door neighbor (Ricky Hill, who went to a private high school, and so isn't a classmate, but who is our age).  Ricky, Ricky's  parents, Greg, my parents, and I would get together occasionally and listen to humorous records - can't remember what they were, but I remember laughing so hard it hurt!  When we were 11, Ricky and Ann Rose, and Greg and I went to the movie "Auntie Mame" - my first "date".  (Remember, Ann?) The reason is that Ricky's parents were hosting a party, so they arranged it to take care of Ricky during that time.  I lost track of Greg once we entered Junior High.  Wish I'd gotten to know him better - he was quiet and nice. 

Years later, I heard that Greg was a Station Chief in Norway, and  that he'd married Sylvia Honaas (another of our classmates, who studied with the Andahazy Ballet - remember her?).  I remember Sylvia VERY well - so Sylvia, if you're out there, I hope to hear from you and see you in September!


11/02/14 11:24 PM #2    

Lee W. Reierson

I ran into Sylvia, who was Gregs wife at the reunion..I told her about his birthday party when he was 6 years old..He recieved a battle ship and the royal coach of England as models to put to gether..I returned the next day and assembled both kits for Greg..The ship was grey and the coach was Red..I even remember the kitchen in the back of the house where I assembled the models..There was a tree in the back yard that had a tire swing and a single garage..A white picket fence surrounded the back yard..Considering I was never in that room for 62 years, my memory help up quite well..it brought a tear to Sylvias eye, which was very moving to me to relive such old old memories, from early grade school in Morningside.  Greg will live on in my memories forever


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