He was born on Feb. 4, 1925 in Johnsburg to the late George and Olive (Olig) Schmitz, and on June 26, 1948 married Helen Coyne at St. Joseph’s Church in Fond du Lac.

Elmer was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Navy.

He was an engineering graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and loved golfing, fishing and NASCAR racing.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Helen; four daughters, Mary (Frank) Scheer of Indianapolis, Ind., Patricia (Steven) Rinzel of Germantown, Lynn Schmitz of Milwaukee and Kathleen (Michael) Staral of West Bend; four grandchildren, Jennifer and Theresa Rinzel, Jason and Chad Staral; a sister, Amanda Schmitz; two sisters-in-law, Sally Coyne of Fond du Lac and Audrey Leslie of Milwaukee.

Preceding him in death were three brothers-in-law, Ernie Schmitz, Harry Coyne and Edmund Coyne and a sister-in-law, Wanda Coyne.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Chapel of the Risen Christ located in Calvary Cemetery.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4 p.m. at the mausoleum chapel with Rev. Jerome Rinzel officiating.

Inurnment will follow in the mausoleum chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Elmer’s name can be directed to Harbor Haven Nursing Home, Sunrise/Snug Harbor Units, 459 First St., Fond du Lac, 54935.

The staff of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, Fond du lac, is serving the family.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Harbor Haven Nursing Home in Fond du Lac, Menomonee Falls Adult Day Center and Dr. Robert Gibson of West Bend for the compassionate care that Elmer received.