Elroy Verne Bessler , 81, of Byron, Minnesota di ed peacefully on Thursday , December 3 rd of Covid -19 after a three year health battle since his stroke in 2018 , with his wife and daughters at his side.

Elroy was born in Elkton , S outh D akota on April 29, 1939 and graduated from Elkton High School in 195 7. While attending college at South Dakota State University, he married his high school sweetheart, Myrna Kruger , on May 6, 1960. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Education.

Elroy and Myrna bought a farm north of Elkton and their two daugh t ers were born during that time. A rthritis forced him to change careers in 1966, and the family moved to New Ulm where Elroy was a salesman for Supersweet Feeds . The company moved him to Faribault, MN in 1967 , and c o rporate changes forced him to re-think his career again . Elroy entered the real estate profession and moved to Byron in 1971 , where he became a real estate broker and opened Bessler Realty with Myrna . Elroy subsequently found his challenge and passion in life when he began investing in real estate and developed subdivisions , commercial ventures and apartment projects throughout southeastern Minnesota. He created Bessler Management in Byron to manage those projects.

Elroy loved traveling, motorcycling, camping, fishing, and more than anything else, his family, friends and business associates.

He is s urvived by his wife, Myrna, daughters Pam Bessler and Sandra (Paul) Gregor, all of Byron, grandchildren Amanda (Nicholas) Higgins of Coolidge, AZ, Jonathan Aitkenhead of Byron, Drew (Carlee) Gregor of Sioux Falls, SD, and Angela (Jared) Carlson of Chicago, IL, and two sisters Geraldine (Erie) Schroeder of Flandreau, SD and Delores Jahn of Spirit Lake, IA. Elroy is preceded in death by his brother, Delmar Bessler.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined due to current health con cern s and public restrictions from the pandemic .

Elroy's family will be forever indebted to the compassionate care he received at Cottagewood Senior Communities.

Memorials are preferred to a charity of your preference.

Byron Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.byronfuneralhome.com