Elton "Tony" N. Veralrud

Elton N. (Tony) Veralrud, age 83, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2015 of age related causes at Landsun Manor in Carlsbad. He was born July 1, 1931 to Ellen Alstrom Veralrud and Melvin Veralrud in their farmhouse outside of Park River, North Dakota. He was raised on the farm with his brother and three sisters. He graduated from high school in Park River and joined the Air Force. In 1951 he married his high school sweetheart, local beauty Karen Eyolfson. She remained the love of his life for 63 years. Following his service in the military, he attended North Dakota State University graduating with a Degree in Pharmacy. In 1959 he moved to Carlsbad where he worked for Corner Drug. After a stint with Abbott Laboratories he became a partner in the two Star Pharmacies, eventually co-owning Star Pharmacy West. He finished his career as Director of Pharmacy at Carlsbad Medical Center. He was active in church and community life, with decades of acting and supporting Carlsbad Community Theater and the Barbershop Quartets. He graced his friends, family and church regularly with his beautiful voice. People would make a special trip to hear him sing "O Holy Night" at the Christmas Eve service at Presbyterian Church. Just a month ago, he joined in with a local barbershop quartet visiting at Landsun, still in fine voice and enjoying the harmony with others. He loved to travel...always enjoyed the smaller highways and byways and roads less traveled. He delighted in his family. Tony loved people and treated friend and stranger alike with respect, kindness and good humor, blind to differences in age, religion, race or gender. The family is grateful and comforted by the many condolences and remembrances received since his passing. Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at Landsun Nursing Unit. He is survived by his wife Karen, four children, Greg Veralrud (Debi) of Eugene, Oregon; Debby Caviness (Mike) of Ojo Caliente, NM; Sandy Murray (Paul) of Houston, Texas and Jan Slenning (Todd) of Portland, Oregon, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, a sister, Jean Johnson of Bemidji, Minnesota and brother Melvin Veralrud, Jr. of Castle Rock, WA. His parents and sisters June and Melvina preceded him in death. He is greatly missed and mourned by his friends and family. A Memorial Service and reception is planned for Saturday, March 7, 10:00 AM at Landsun Manor in the auditorium with Chaplain Stephanie Harmon officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Landsun Homes, Caring Hands Fund, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220. All are welcome to share and enjoy a memory. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.