Calvin C. Eland

Calvin Eland was born in Mediapolis, IA, July 4, 1925, to Fred and Florence Eland. He passed away peacefully in his home in Green Valley, AZ, Saturday, August 19, 2017.

Calvin served in the Army Air Corps during WW II. He received his doctorate in Education from Columbia University in New York City in 1957. Calvin was a life-long educator with a career spanning over 40 years as a college professor of Education. He was passionate about teaching and supervising student teachers. He was active in many justice, peace and service organizations. He was also the recipient of multiple humanitarian awards. Upon retirement he served on the board of Chippewa Valley Community Television in Eau Claire, WI, where he produced dozens of documentaries on topics including social justice, culture, arts, music, and service. When he and Eloise began spending winters in Green Valley, AZ, he continued to make documentaries, including one on border issues for the Samaritans, a group that he and Eloise were active in.

After a major stroke in 2011, Calvin continued to be engaged in life and to remain interested in community, sports, and national news. He enjoyed going to Casa Community Services and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Amado. We will remember Calvin as a wonderful mix of heart, mind, soul and action.

AWARDS:

2010 Prairie Start District Unitarian Universalist Association: Betty Gorshe Heritage Award to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to preserving, understanding and celebrating our Unitarian Universalist history.

2004 Eau Claire Human Rights Coalition: Chippewa Valley Human Rights Award

2002 Prairie Star District: Keeping the Faith Award, presented to Calvin and Eloise Eland.

2002 Community Television Impact Award: Best Program by an Organization, presented by Cultural Collage

2000 WAPC (Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels) Video Festival Award of Achievement, presented to Calvin Eland and Advocates for Multicultural Education for the program CULTURAL COLLAGE - Cuba Today. Category: Cultural/Ethnic.

Calvin is survived by Eloise, his wife and the love of his life for 68 years; sons: David (Richa) of Athens, OH, John (Jeannine Johnson) of Eau Claire, WI, and Robert of Phoenix, AZ.; daughters: Marcia (William Wilken) and Alisa Jo (Kevin Johnson) of Minneapolis, MN.; grandchildren: Kris (Clint) Tancowny (Alberta, Canada) Amanda (Brian) Schwechel (Eau Claire, WI), Alisa Renee Eland-Smithburg (Madison, WI), Danielle Cox-Eland (Indianapolis, IN), Ashley Eland-Smithburg (Apple Valley, MN), Keegan Johnson (Madison, WI), Jafra Johnson (Eau Claire, WI) Rosa Johnson (Minneapolis, MN), Jamir Johnson (Eau Claire, WI); and great-grandchildren: Sydney Tancowny (Alberta, Canada), Angel Ressler ( Eau Claire, WI ), Grace Tancowny (Alberta, Canada), Katie Schwechel (Eau Claire, WI), Jayda Epps (Indianapolis, IN), Cecilia Schwechel (Eau Claire, WI), Camryn Epps (Indianapolis, IN).

A celebration of his life was held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Green Valley in Amado, AZ on August 26, 2017 and there will also be a service at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Eau Claire, WI on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 2:00 pm.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

Green Valley Samaritans

Tax-deductible checks may be submitted, payable to: Good Shepherd United Church of Christ. Indicate “Samaritan Fund” on notation line. Mailing address:

Green Valley Samaritans c/o The Good Shepherd United Church of Christ

17750 S. La Canada Road

Sahuarita, AZ 85629

OR

Southern Poverty Law Center

400 Washington Avenue

Montgomery, AL 36104