Elwood "Ike" Murl Isaacs

Surrounded by the love of his family, Elwood “Ike” Isaacs died at 12:17 AM on September 30, 2025 at the age of 94. He lived a long and productive life. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

He was born on December 28, 1930, at “the old Michelson place” just outside of the rural village of Hazel Run, Minnesota. His father, Murl Jerome Isaacs, and his mother, Evalyn Dotseth Isaacs, were farmers. Elwood was the oldest of seven children. His younger brother Dean often said, “we were poor, but we didn’t know it!” He graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1949. While in high school, he played basketball, football, and baseball. He delighted in telling pre-facemask football stories, such as resetting his own broken nose during the game and breaking his leg during a grueling practice.

Elwood, a descendant of Haugen Synod Norwegian Lutherans, was a lifelong Lutheran Christian. He was confirmed, married, and will be buried with his ancestors at Hazel Run Lutheran Church. His was rooted in Midwestern Christian values tempered with a strong blend of “Minnesota nice.”

Following high school graduation, Elwood enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a proud veteran and American Legion member. He credited his military service with giving him discipline and honing his administrative skills. After being discharged from the service, he married Linda Halverson on April 24, 1954. When Linda died on February 11, 2021, they had been married for 67 years. Their union was more than a marriage; they were full and unified partners in all things.

Two weeks before the birth of his son, Mark, he was hired by Phillips Petroleum Company. This proved to be a life-changing opportunity as after multiple generations, Elwood was the first member of his family to leave farming in pursuit of the American dream. He went on to have a distinguished career with Phillips, working for the oil company for the next 31 years. During his career, he and Linda were promoted and transferred from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Baltimore, Maryland; Madison, New Jersey; Westfield, Massachusetts; Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Kansas; and finally back to Bartlesville.

While working for Phillips, Elwood earned a bachelor of law degree and an Executive MBA from Central Michigan University. He served in a variety of positions, the last of which was Regional Distribution Supervisor. He was an excellent auditor, and he enjoyed “crunching the numbers.” From farm boy to executive, he was devoted and loyal. Elwood retired from Phillips at the age of 57.

During his retirement, he enjoyed golf and traveling with his wife Linda to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Germany, Alaska, the Panama Canal, and more.

Elwood also had an interesting and exciting Masonic career. He was raised in Mt. Orthodox Lodge, A.F.& A.M. in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 1973. He served as Worshipful Master of Bartlesville Lodge No. 284 during the construction of their new Masonic Temple.

He was very active in the York Rite and Concordant Bodies, serving as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons for the State of Oklahoma (1996-1997); Grand Master of Royal & Select Masters [Cryptic Masons] of the State of Oklahoma (2003-2004); Honorary Past Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of the State of Oklahoma (2015). On the Scottish Rite side, he was Coroneted Inspector General Honorary 33° in 2013. He also served as Grand Treasurer of Oklahoma York Rites Bodies for more than 10 years and as President of the Oklahoma Masonic Charity Board.

Elwood is survived by his son, Mark D., and his wife, Linda, of Rhinebeck, New York, and their three daughters and husbands: Haley and Tyler Pritchard of Vancouver, Washington; Jenna and Justin Seeley of Norman, Oklahoma; and Jennifer and Christopher Tillson of Somers, New York. He is also survived by his beloved daughter, Mary, and her husband, Russell Rhea, of Norman, Oklahoma, and their son, Michael, and wife, Lindsey, of Norman, Oklahoma, and daughter, Kirsten, and husband, Brandon Richardson, of Norman, Oklahoma.

Elwood and Linda had nine beloved great-grandchildren: Mark, Adalynn, and Bennett Seeley; Corbin, Brecken, and Anders Pritchard; Harper Rhea; Payton Richardson; and Caroline Tillson. He was a greatly adored “Great-Grandpa” who loved to attend his great-grandchildren’s activities—especially his two great-grandsons’ baseball games. He was particularly proud of their academic achievements, and he loved to adorn his home with all their creative art works! He proudly wore their handmade jewelry creations—even at the hour of his death.

Elwood was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years. Linda Halverson Isaacs, and their precious infant daughter, Margaret Elise Isaacs.

Elwood will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, dedicated grandpa and cherished great-grandpa. He will be remembered for his abundant kindness, sweet and gentle disposition, love for his country and family, and his steadfast Christian faith.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, at University Lutheran Church and Student Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Donations may be made in Ike’s honor to the Oklahoma Masonic Charity Foundation.