IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Elmer Martin
Denke
February 18, 1928 – May 18, 2007
Obituary
Custer – Elmer Martin Denke, 79, Custer, passed away while in hospice care, on Friday, May 18, 2007.
Elmer was born February 18, 1928, in Creighton, South Dakota. To Emma (Eisenbraun) and Jacob Denke. He attended country school through the 8th grade at which time helping his parent's farm became more important. The memories of that time north of Quinn were with him always.
He married Shirley Faye Marple on December 8th, 1951. Elmer entered the U.S. Armed Forces December 1st, 1950 and was Honorably Discharged in November 5th, 1953. He entered the Civil Service and worked at Igloo, SD before transferring to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Elmer retired from the Civil Service in 1983. He loved the outdoors, always fishing, hunting or telling stories about the ones that got away.
Family was foremost in Elmer's life. He always enjoyed hearing about the busy activities of his grand and great grand children. Elmer and Shirley had five children and a family get together was a special time for Elmer and Shirley.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of over 55 years; his Brothers Edwin (Amy) Denke Grants Pass, Ore., Benjamin (Bertha) Denke Rapid City. His Daughters Alice (Chuck) Ollila Rapid City, Laurel (Charlie) Davis Box Elder, Carol (Paul) Niemann Custer, and his Son William (Laurie) Denke Sturgis; as well as 14 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Erwin Denke, Ted Denke, Walter Denke, one sister Leona (Denke) Clarin and one daughter, Kathy Amundson.
Elmer was a member of the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Custer, South Dakota and American Legion Post 22 of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday May 22, at the McColley's Chapels of the Hills 234 N. 6th Street, Custer, SD, 57730.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23rd, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 744 Harney Street, Custer, SD 57730, with Pastor Robert Anderson officiating. Burial will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis.
A memorial has been established in Elmer's name to benefit Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Custer, South Dakota.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer, SD. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
Elmer was born February 18, 1928, in Creighton, South Dakota. To Emma (Eisenbraun) and Jacob Denke. He attended country school through the 8th grade at which time helping his parent's farm became more important. The memories of that time north of Quinn were with him always.
He married Shirley Faye Marple on December 8th, 1951. Elmer entered the U.S. Armed Forces December 1st, 1950 and was Honorably Discharged in November 5th, 1953. He entered the Civil Service and worked at Igloo, SD before transferring to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Elmer retired from the Civil Service in 1983. He loved the outdoors, always fishing, hunting or telling stories about the ones that got away.
Family was foremost in Elmer's life. He always enjoyed hearing about the busy activities of his grand and great grand children. Elmer and Shirley had five children and a family get together was a special time for Elmer and Shirley.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of over 55 years; his Brothers Edwin (Amy) Denke Grants Pass, Ore., Benjamin (Bertha) Denke Rapid City. His Daughters Alice (Chuck) Ollila Rapid City, Laurel (Charlie) Davis Box Elder, Carol (Paul) Niemann Custer, and his Son William (Laurie) Denke Sturgis; as well as 14 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Erwin Denke, Ted Denke, Walter Denke, one sister Leona (Denke) Clarin and one daughter, Kathy Amundson.
Elmer was a member of the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Custer, South Dakota and American Legion Post 22 of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday May 22, at the McColley's Chapels of the Hills 234 N. 6th Street, Custer, SD, 57730.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23rd, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 744 Harney Street, Custer, SD 57730, with Pastor Robert Anderson officiating. Burial will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis.
A memorial has been established in Elmer's name to benefit Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Custer, South Dakota.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer, SD. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
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