SHEPPARD, Elmer M.: Died 1983

SHEPPARD, TRINKA-HOLLRAH

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 10/12/2021 at 19:46:35

**Handwritten: 26 May VB Register
pg 2 col 3

Death Rule Suicide

The death Thursday of Elmer M. Sheppard, 77, of Bentonsport has been ruled a suicide by Van Buren County medical examiner Dr. James T. Worrell.

Neighbors discoverd Sheppard's body hanging in a tree near his home about noon Thursday. Dr. Worrell said death occurred before 8 a.m. The body was will for research to a Des Moines hospital.

There will be no funeral or memorial service.
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A Tribute to Elmer Sheppard

When we moved here six years ago one of the first people I met was Elmer. He came over one morning and had coffee and expressed the fact that he wished to be 'neighborly'. Someday we may need others help, he said. From then on we had coffee together once or twice a week. He was interesting to talk to and had many great stories to tell about when he was young.

I found that Elmer was wise and had traveled extensively. He taught me much about planting, herblore and nature. He had not much for material wealth but gave all he could. His welath was in his heart.

We helped each other a lot in the successive years. Cutting wood in the winter exchanged for garden seed and advise. I felt at ease with Elmer knowing he accepted my ways and we were not judgemental of each other. I remember the many Thanksgiving and Christmas's we shared, the nights we'd fix oyster stew at his house and bonfires by the river.

He was close to nature and believe in the love and religion of the American Indians. He praised the first blade of grass in the spring and loved flowers. He was of the earth and had great consideration of all that grows.

Two years ago my house burned down. The next day when I saw Elmer he offered to move out of his own room so my daughter and I could live there but we already had prior arrangements. Such a kind and sharing man he was.

Elmer was my beloved friend and I'll miss him terribly.

Each spring as my comfrey plants come up that Elmer gave me my heart will be glad to think of the enormous wealth which he gave me. I will remember his mannerisms, his laugh, his stories and be glad that I was so privileged to know this man.

But now my heart is heavy and I grieve for the loss of my dear friend, Elmer Sheppard. I will miss him greatly.

Sheryl Trinka-Hollrah

Source: "Scrapbook 1981 - 1985", Pg. 122,
Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, Van Buren Co., IA