Elmer Elfering

Elmer H. Elfering, age 95, of Freeport, died Wednesday, October 15, 2008 surrounded by his family at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. and Rev. Fred Timp, S.V.D. concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church in Freeport. Goldenaires Senior Citizens will pray at 4 p.m. followed by St. Joseph's Men's Society and the Sacred Heart Catholic Aid Society at 8 p.m. Friday evening.

Elmer Elfering was born February 12, 1913 in Oak Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to John and Mary (Rolfes) Elfering. On August 29, 1939 he married Rosalia Zwack in Freeport. The couple farmed near Freeport and retired in 1974. Elmer continued helping his son, Tom on the family farm. He loved camping at Itasca State Park. He also enjoyed watching baseball and going to the casino. His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren.He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, St. Joseph's Men's Society, Sacred Heart Catholic Aid Society and the Goldenaires Senior Citizens.

Survivors include his children, Phyllis Scheerle (special friend, Jim Fox) of Little Falls, Myrna (Allen) Notch of Freeport, Judy (Dennis) Roering of Albany, Linda (David) Zierden of Freeport and Tom (Dorothy) Elfering of Freeport; 24 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and six step great-great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Janet Elfering of New Munich and Mary Kay Blommel of Freeport.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosalia Elfering on October 6, 1997; sons, Dwaine in 1997, David in 1972 and Ronald Elfering in 1973; grandson, Dwaine Elfering, Jr.; brothers, Clarence and Donatus Elfering.

Serving as casket bearers will be Shawn Scheerle, Jason Zierden, Joe Notch, John Elfering, Mark Elfering, Troy Roering, Jeff Zierden and Greg Elfering. Serving as cross bearer will be Cindy Pundsack and scripture bearer will be Julie Nielsen.