DE BUHR, Elmer Peter 1926-1994

DE BUHR, KLINGER, KLAASSEN

Posted By: K. Kittleson (email)
Date: 8/1/2007 at 23:37:38

Elmer Peter De Buhr was born on October 8, 1925 at Dell Rapids, South Dakota, the son of Rev. Peter and Ella (Klinger) De Buhr. While growing up Elmer lived at Dell Rapids, Herman, Minnesota, and later moved with his family to Ellsworth, Minnesota where he graduated from high school in 1944. After his education he served in the United States Army during World War II, serving stateside in various parts of the country.

On November 26, 1947 he married Alma Klaassen at the Bethel Reformed Church in rural Ellsworth. Following their marriage, they lived in Rock Rapids, Iowa, where Elmer worked for Pettingills for a short time before beginning his career with the Postal Service. Elmer worked as an in-town letter carrier for a few years bfore moving on to rural delivery. When he retired in 1982, Elmer had worked for the Post Office for 32 years.

Elmer and Alma were long time member of First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. Elmer was also a member of the American Legion and worked with the Boy Scouts for many years. When Lyon County Ambulance service began, Elmer was on the first team of Emergency Medical Technicians to be certified. After his heart attach in 1982 he was not able to continue eith the ambulance service, however he did teach EMT classes at NITC in Sheldon, Iowa. Elmer also had other interests, especially in fixing cuckoo clocks and watches.

Last Friday morning, July 29, 1994, Elmder died unexpectedly at his home in Rock Rapids, at the age of 67.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Alma of Rock Rapids, also two childrenm, Edgar De Buhr of Maple Grove, Minn., and Glenda Thedens of Rock Rapids; four grandchildren, Jason and Bradley Thedens and Dawn and Tracy De Buhr; three sisters: Amanda Becker of Rock Rapids, Christine Wessels and her husband Joe of Luverne, Minn., Ruth Van Asrtsen and her husband John of Rock Rapids; one brother, Calvin De Buhr and his wife Pearl of Ellsworth, Minn., and a sister-in-law, Ethel De Buhr of Rock Rapids.

Preceding Elmer in death were his parents, a brother, Herman De Buhr, a sister, Margaret Huisman, and infant brother and two infant sisters.

Funeral services were held on August 1, 1994 at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, with Rev. William DeYoung officiating. Interment was in the Bethel Reformed Cemetery, Ellsworth, Minnesota.

Submitted by Sherrilyn Klaassen