Eckhart, MD - On Friday, May 15, 2026, Richard Q. Elvee ended his earthly journey at the age of 91. Richard was a vibrant part of family life, present always for his wife Edith, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. For 27 years, he has shared life in Western Maryland with Edie, Emmanuel Parish, and the surrounding community.

Ordained a minister in the Lutheran Church in 1960, Richard served a small church in Crosslake, Minn., where he was discovered by Edgar Carlson, President of Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minn. Always ready for a new challenge, Richard became the first full-time chaplain to the Gustavus College community. Edgar told him he was in charge, and so came the formality of liturgy, the classical music, the beautiful robes, the gift of Christmas in Christ Chapel program, now with five packed performances every Christmas season; and the Nobel Science conference. Nobel Laureates, prize winners and Wanna-Be's, King and Queen of Sweden, brilliant minds in all the various fields —The Restless Earth, Who were the First Humans?, Virus: The Human Connection; Apes at the End of an Age: Primate Language and Behavior in the '90s.

Ever the gracious master of ceremonies, Richard presided over formal events at the college, including banquets, graduations, funerals and countless weddings. He also cheered on the Gusties at every possible sports event. He literally was everywhere on that campus!

The creative chaplain collected art, sculpture, music and BOOKS — books on every topic. Nothing was beyond his wide ranging interests; and his memory was astonishing! Absolutely my "walking dictionary and encyclopedia!"

Born in Holland, Mich., to the Rev. Richard Anthony Elvee and Nelle Louise Van den Berg Elvee in 1934, Richard is survived by his wife, Edith Eckhart Elvee; his sisters, Marianne (Howard) Phillips, Janice (Gene, deceased) Plant and Phyllis (Jim, deceased) Whitehouse; children, Stephanie Tangen (Chris) Geoffrey Elvee (Marigold), Mark Zimmerman (Lisa), Fareja Tahir; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Richard's liturgical service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Emmanuel Parish, 16 Washington St., Cumberland, MD, at noon.

We will miss his presence in our lives as husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor. How blessed we have been to share life with this special man.

In my Father's house are many mansions...