Leibrand, Elmer (1916-2009)

LEIBRAND, MILBRANDT, UNDERBAKKE, SMITH

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 6/14/2012 at 20:01:30

Elmer Leibrand
(October 22, 1916 - February 10, 2009)

Elmer Leibrand, 92, of Buffalo Center, Iowa, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.

Elmer Leibrand, son of LeRoy and Gertrude (Milbrandt) Leibrand, was born on October 22, 1916, on a farm northwest of Buffalo Center. He graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1932 at the age of 15, having tested out of the third and eighth grades. Elmer’s nickname of “Shorty” originated at this time because he was short in size for his high school class.

Elmer married Muriel Underbakke at Rake, Iowa, on November 25, 1948. One son, Timothy, was born to this marriage.

Elmer farmed with his father on the family farm until 1940. He, then, started in business for himself buying and trucking livestock. Shorty was also a livestock buyer for Wilson & Co. of Albert Lea for many years. Selling his trucking business in 1980, Elmer became the site manager for Yohn and Sons Concrete in Buffalo Center until 1982 when he retired.

Very involved in his community and county, Shorty was elected to the city council in 1956, serving twelve consecutive years before becoming mayor for another eight years.

Elmer was a member of the committee that formed the Winnebago County Crime Commission. He served for five years on the Board of Directors of North Central Human Services. He was a member of the Winnebago County Compensation Board for four years.

A charter member of the Buffalo Center Lion’s Club, Elmer served in various offices through the years. He really enjoyed his role in that organization. Indeed, he was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship plaque, the highest award Lionism bestows, during the local chapter’s 50th anniversary.

An active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church since 1949, Elmer served in a variety of capacities throughout the years. He also served on the Timely Mission Nursing Home Board of Directors for fifteen years until stepping away a few years ago.

Shorty liked playing golf with friends and following the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He was, however, a true Black and Gold Iowa Hawkeye fan who began attending Hawkeye football games in 1948.

Elmer is survived by his son, Tim Leibrand, and his wife, Deb, of Mason City; two grandchildren: Kara, of Johnston, Iowa, and Matthew, of Iowa City, Iowa; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Underbakke, and his wife, Alyce, of Forest City; along with several nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel; his parents; his sister, Lola Smith; and his brother, Melvin Leibrand.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 12, 2009, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center with Pastor Perry Aalgaard officiating. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center.

Friends and family attended his visitation on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Winter Funeral Home, 414 First Street, Buffalo Center, and also for one hour before the service at the church.

Please direct memorials to the Elmer Leibrand Memorial Fund

Copyright © 2009, Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service

Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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