Elmer Joseph Klenke, age 100, of Coldwater, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Mercer Health in Coldwater.

He was born on September 26, 1924, in St. Henry, Ohio, to the late Norbert and Victoria (Thobe) Klenke.

In addition to his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou (Sutter) Klenke, whom he married on November 23, 1950 and who passed away on December 12, 2021; his daughter, Jennifer Klenke; his siblings, Bill (Frances) Klenke, Mildred (Urban) Knapke, Delores (Marvin) Muhlenkamp, Mary Lou (Harold) Ranly, Joan Ranly, Robert (June) Klenke, Don (Lillie) Klenke, Ivo Klenke, Paul Tobe, and Daniel Goettemoeller.

Elmer is survived by his children, Janet (Gary) Brockman of Coldwater, James (Patty) Klenke of Coldwater, Jack (Nancy) Klenke of New Bremen, Ohio, and Julie (Mike) DiCesare of Fremont, Ohio; his German son, Marc Englert; his 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; his siblings, Esther Goettemoeller of Maria Stein, Ohio, Anna Tobe of Coldwater, Pat (Joe) Brockman of Portland, Indiana, his in-laws, Ginnie Klenke of Lima, Ohio, and Dale (Annette) Sutter of Coldwater.

Elmer served his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II. After returning home, Elmer began working on his family’s farm, which he continued for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors and tending to his crops. Later in life, he owned and operated Klenke Trash Service in Coldwater. In his free time, Elmer enjoyed playing cards, and putting puzzles together.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, the Fort Recovery Knights of Columbus Council 3324, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the church’s Men’s Society. Elmer was also a member of the Fort Recovery VFW, Post 6515, and the Coldwater American Legion, Post 470.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 17, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Father Ethan Moore celebrating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in the church cemetery.

Guests may visit with Elmer’s family on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again on Thursday from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM, at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home in Fort Recovery. A Knights of Columbus prayer service will be held on Wednesday evening at 6:45 PM.

Memorial contributions may be given to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.