Ehlers, Elmer D. (1910-2004)

EHLERS, GOETSCH, GRADY, LANDGRAF, JONES, SALEM, MITCHELL

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 2/11/2010 at 12:25:07

Elmer D. Ehlers - Mar. 19, 1910 - June 6, 2004

Elmer D. Ehlers, age 94, of Storm Lake died on Sunday, June 6, 2004, at the Methodist Manor in Storm Lake.

Elmer D. Ehlers was born on March 19, 1910, in Egan, South Dakota, to William and Anna (Goetsch) Ehlers. He spent his childhood on the family farm near Flandreau, South Dakota, where he attended school.

While working in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Elmer met Catherine B. Grady. They married on June 29, 1936 in Elkton, S.D. They had two children, Richard and Barbara.

In the early 1930 Elmer worked for Maxwell Hardware in Sioux Falls, S.D., During the depression Elmer worked with the WPA in South Dakota. In the late 1930’s Elmer went to work for Montgomery Ward, and in 1941 Wards transferred him to Storm Lake as assistant manager in charge of hardware. Next Elmer worked briefly for Gambles before joining DW Hussey installing furnaces and gutters. Later he worked for Foote Sheet Metal. He started Ehlers Furnace and Gutter Repair in 1975. He was a perfectionist and prided himself on a job well done.

Elmer joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 1951 where he was a faithful member.

Elmer enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping and cherished the time he spent at these activities with his family. When asked, “How are you?” Elmer replied with a smile and shaking fist, “As mean as ever!” Elmer always had a joke that he often shared with his friends at Malarky’s. Elmer made friends with the neighborhood squirrels and birds; some became tame enough to eat from his hand.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Richard Ehlers and wife, Shirley, of Perry, IA; Barbara Landgraf and husband Jerry of Albuquerque, NM; his six grandchildren: Donna (Landgraf) Jones and husband Jerry, Kirsten Ehlers, Kim Ehlers, Bill Landgraf, Laura Landgraf, and Aaron Landgraf; his two great-grandchildren: Nicklaus and Noah Jones; his sister, Helen Salem of Sioux Falls, SD; and extended family members and friends.

Preceding Elmer in death are his parents; his wife, Catherine; three brothers: Grover, William, and Elvin Ehlers; and one sister, Anita Mitchell.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake with Reverend Bruce Lawler officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Friends may call after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2004, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake where the family will be present after 6 p.m. The Rosary will be recited by the Legion of Mary at 3:00 p.m., and a parish vigil service will be held at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends wishing to send condolences may do so on-line.

Copyright © 2004, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
 

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