George Elver Jr.

Elver, George "Joe" Jr. MADISON - George "Joe" Elver Jr., age 73, died on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008, at Select Specialty Hospital, after undergoing bypass surgery three weeks ago, at University Hospital. He was a heart transplant recipient in October 1995. He was born on Feb. 24, 1935, in Madison, the son of George Elver and Dorothy (Woolsey) Elver. Joe married the love of his life, Marilyn Carpenter on July 2, 1983, in Madison. He attended Madison East High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. When he returned from service, he worked as a salesman for his parents at Elver RV. Joe purchased the business in 1976 and he ran the dealership until his retirement in 2005. Joes parents, George and Dorothy, started the business, Elver Mobile Homes, in 1944. He was a member of Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 50, Valley of Madison Scottish Rite Bodies, Zor Shrine Temple and a member of the Dane County RV Dealers. Joe enjoyed being a hunter, fisherman, antique gun collector, and commercial pilot, along with raising, training and judging show dogs. Joe loved traveling with his wife, and spending winters in Florida. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a sister, Connie; children, Bonnie Jo (Lloyd) Berg of Oregon, Ginger Lee Elver of Baton Rouge, La., George Scott Elver III of Random Lake, and Traci Ann Elver of Madison; step-children, Timothy P. (Karen Sample) Mangan II, and Michael J. (Melissa) Mangan; grandchildren, Lloyd and Lee Berg, Rachel and Ashley Ruiz, Alec, Tess and Ian Mangan and Justin, Elise and Lindsay Mangan; two sisters-in-law, Martha (Carl) Chandler and Joyce (Jerry) Tvedt; two brothers-in-law, Jerry (Marilyn) Carpenter and David (Audrey) Carpenter; and many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, with the Rev. Paul Shupe presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted. Visitation will be at the church from noon until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, with Masonic Rites conducted at noon. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.