Maurice Elroy Oliver, 73, of Crookston, Minnesota, died peacefully at his home early Saturday evening, September 27, 2008, surrounded by his family. Maurice was born in Crookston on June 30, 1935, the son of Maurice P. and Olga (Dahl) Oliver. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member, and attended the Carmen Elementary School and Central High School. Maurice was better known to his family and friends as "Nibs." While growing up he raised show-birds, also known as banty chickens, and won many ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair. He loved playing hockey, and as part of neighborhood lore, skated on the local rink with the "Carmen Indians." As he grew older he played on the Crookston Pirate varsity hockey team for several years. Maurice began working for the Great Northern Railroad in 1954. In 1956 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following his honorable discharge in 1958 he returned home and resumed working for the Great Northern. On April 8, 1961 he was united in marriage to Patricia Stout at Crookston. Maurice and Pat raised three children, Scott, Brenda, and Tim. He retired from the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad in 1995. Over the years he enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, deer hunting, fishing, and building bird-houses in his workshop. When things needed to be done around the house Maurice believed in doing it himself. He did all of his own remodeling, and completed several projects for his kids as well. Maurice was an avid bowler and participated in the Thursday 'Nite Owl' League for many years. He liked being at his cabin on nearby Union Lake, and having the grandkids spend time with him there. Maurice will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Loving family members include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Scott and Terri Oliver, and Tim Oliver, of Crookston; a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Dave Prink of Milwaukee, WI; five grandsons, Travis, Ross, and Tanner Oliver, and Dan and Jason Prink; three sisters, Joyce (Richard) Dukelow of Markesan, WI, Nancy (Joe) Lanctot of Crookston, and Audrey McGrath of Bygland, MN; a brother, Art (Bonnie) Oliver of Birchwood, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents. May God bless Maurice's memory.

The funeral service for Maurice Elroy Oliver will be held at 10:30AM, Tuesday, September 30, 2008, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, in Crookston, with the Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. Visitation will be in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Monday from 5-7PM, with a 7PM prayer service, and in the church for one hour before the funeral. Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston and Military Honors will be provided by the Crookston Veterans Council.