Elmer L. Schwager

Elmer Lawrence Schwager, 91, peacefully passed away on July 16, at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett.

Elmer was born in Orchard to August and Christine (Leiding) Schwager on August 19, 1933, the youngest of seven living children. He was raised in the Ewing/Chambers area and graduated from Chambers High School with the Class of 1952.

Following high school, Elmer was drafted into the United States Army, serving from December 8, 1 954, until he was honorably discharged o n December 7, 1956, at the end of the Korean War.

Elmer met Helen Harlan in 1958 and they were married in O’Neill in April of 1959. To this union, they were blessed with three daughters: Janice Ione in 1960, Judy Kay in 1961, and Joann Sue in 1969. Elmer and Helen had 47 good years together until Helen passed away in September of 2006.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; daughter, Janice; parents, August and Christine Schwager; and his siblings, Fritz, Clara, Rosie, Elvira, Walter, infant brother, Henry and Leona.

He is survived by his daughters, Judy Schwager of Springview and Joann of Valentine ; sisters-in-law, Nancy Harlan of Bassett and Violet Sullivan of Estacada, Ore.; adopted granddaughter, Miah Wiebelhaus of Springview; along with many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Memorial service w as held on Saturday, August 2, at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth with Pastor Dick Wallace officiating at the service. The CD selections “Old Rugged Cross” by Alan Jackson and “Riverbank” by Jeff Bates were played. Eulogies were given by Drew Schaefer at the visitation/prayer service the evening prior and Wade Schaefer at the memorial service. Honorary Urn Bearers were all of Elmer’s family and friends. Memorials were suggested to the family for a future designation. Inurnment followed in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Springview with Military Honors by the Springview and Ainsworth American Legion Posts. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.