Elmer was born on November 19, 1925 at his family's farm near Persia, Iowa. He was the fourth of six children - 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Elmer served in the 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 345th Regiment, under General George Patton in the European theatre during WWII. He was injured during the Battle of the Bulge, and received a Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice.

At the end of the war, Elmer returned to Iowa and married his high school sweetheart, Vivienne Koll. After 10 years of farming, Elmer entered the ministry and served for 25 years as an ordained pastor of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He served many years on mission trips to Russia, baptizing many and especially focusing on orphan children.

Elmer and Vivienne have enjoyed 69 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, 5 daughters and 2 sons, as well as 21 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.


Memorials can be made to: Loyal Lutheran Russian Mission or to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Seminary Fund.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan, 7 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Sweet Home. Viewing will be from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Interment will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at Willamette National Cemetery.