Elroy Onstad

Elroy Onstad, 83, of Billings, MT and formerly of Hatotn, ND passed away Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital in Bozeman, MT. A graveside service with military rites will be held at Little Forks Cemetery later this spring.
Elroy was born December 22, 1932 on a farm east of Hatton to Vigo and Randina (Wastvedt) Onstad. He grew up in the Hatton area and graduated from Hatton High School. Elroy attended college in Wahepton, ND before joining the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1950 to 1972. He was in 562 combat missions. He served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Elroy earned many awards such as 3 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze Stars and 2 Purple Hearts. One of Elroy's favorite jobs was being the co-pilot for Presidents Johnson and Nixon in the Presidential helicopter.
Survivors include his children: Tony, Joel, Eric and Henry; 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters: Frances (Wally) Johnson and Joanne (Denley) Vigen; Elroy is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers, Gilman (Alice) Onstad; sisters: Vern (Orville) Voll, Orella (Glen) Hurst and Betty Lou (Chester) Hanson.