Lasting Memories

ElRoy Rakstad
Feb. 3, 1934-April 5, 2020
Henderson, Nevada

ElRoy Norin Rakstad of Henderson Nevada, former resident of Pleasanton California for over 50 years, joined his next survey crew, holding hands with his wife and surrounded by family, on April 5, 2020.

Born on February 3, 1934 in Palermo North Dakota, to Norin and Violet Rakstad. Raised in Parshall ND, he attended University of North Dakota, Grand Forks ND and University of North Dakota, in Minot ND. While in college he served in the US Air Force. He graduated with a Degree in Math and Education, with the intent of becoming a teacher.

ElRoy started his career surveying minuteman missile silos in North Dakota, before moving his young family to Pleasanton California in 1965. He worked at Martin and Bissel, before it became Bissel and Karn, and then Greiner Engineering for over 30 years before his retirement. ElRoy was also on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Bay Counties Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors Association, Inc. and was an instructor for the California Surveyors Joint Apprenticeship program.

ElRoy was very involved in his community by coaching soccer for both boy and girl teams. As a member of the YMCA, he supported the Indian Guides program and started the local chapter of Indian Princesses. Upon retirement, he became a math tutor for his grandsons AVID class and became a member and leader of the local chapter of SIRS. ElRoy’s interests include gardening, golf, news junkie, friend and neighbor. All those who loved him will miss his mischief and infectious smile terribly.

Survived by the love of his life of 61 years Myrna Rakstad, children Todd Rakstad (Cindy), Traci Sweeney, Tami Rakstad-Schaner (Ron), grandchildren Santi Schaner, Danny Schaner, Kelly McCarty (Joe), Lauren DiNicola (James), Mac Sweeney, Dakota Sweeney and Justin Sweeney, great grandchildren Jade Graden, Grant and Jackson DiNicola and Reagan Sweeney, his sister Eunice Milne, brothers Erwin Rakstad (Jean) and Roger Rakstad. Preceded in death by his parents Norin and Violet Rakstad, sister Sharon DeCent and brother Lyal Rakstad.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held later in the year.