Elmer Wormsbecher, 85 of Avon

His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors by the Jelkim-Harms American Legion Post 142 of Tripp. Visitation will be at the church from 2 to 7, followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.

Elmer Wormsbecher, son of Emanuel and Amelia (Buchholz) Wormsbecher, was born in rural Bon Homme County on September 17, 1925. He died Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. Elmer attained the age of 85 years, eight months and 26 days.

Elmer received an eighth grade education at Vesper Country School. He served in the United States Army in Japan from April 17, 1951 to April 2, 1953.

Elmer married JoEllen DeGroot on June 17, 1964 at the Kingsburg Church in Kingsburg. Four sons were blessed to their union. He farmed on the home place all of his life.

Elmer was a member of the Danzig Baptist Church and served on the cemetery board for many years. He also was a member of the Jelkim-Harms American Legion Post 142 in Tripp for 58 years.

Elmer enjoyed restoring antique John Deere tractors and doing puzzles. He played the accordion and enjoyed Polka music. Elmer loved his granddaughters and the time spent with them.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife JoEllen, rural Avon; four sons: Gary and wife Jaclyn of Yankton, Dale and wife Lori, Lyle and Scott, all of Avon; three granddaughters: Lea and Katey Wormsbecher and Jazmyn Gunderson; brother, Harvey and wife Betty of Tripp; sister, Ella Roth and husband Walter of Tripp; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Clarence; and six sisters: Lillian Richters, Julia Permann, Lorine Cihak, Ruth Ded, Hulda Wormsbecher and Esther Wudel.