Elmer Henry Melcher, age 91, passed away December 12, 2018 at Crestview Nursing and Residential Living in Seneca, KS.

Elmer was born August 25th, 1927 in St. Benedict, Kansas on ​his family ​farmstead. Elmer was the son of Frank and Lena (Bergman) Melcher. ​He attended school at St. Benedict Catholic School.

Elmer married Arlene Helen (LaFond) Melcher, on October 15, 1958 at Saint Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville, KS. They lived on their farm south east of St. Benedict for nearly 33 years, before moving in 1985 to Seneca where they currently reside. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Seneca, KS on October 15, 2018.

 

In 2018, Elmer was placed in Crestview Nursing and Residential Living in Seneca where he lived and received excellent care until shortly before his death.

Elmer was a farmer and a stockman, throughout his entirety. In 1953, at the age of 26, Elmer entered the U.S. Army for service in the Korean War. Elmer served in Okinawa, Japan where he was stationed and served as a CPL, until 1955 when he returned home. Elmer received many honors while in the military, including National Defense, United Nations, Korean Service, as well as the Good Conduct award.

After returning home, he returned to the family farm to continue farming. Throughout Elmer’s life, he was an avid worker in which he had many jobs. Elmer worked at Seneca Furniture, a family owned business by Lucille and Joe Wichman, Elmer also worked at Lauer Funeral home, Chicago Rawhide (SKF), and was a bus driver for USD 451. Elmer also worked with Eldon (Corky) Stallbaumer, taking on numerous jobs as carpet layers. After retiring, Elmer worked with Russel Deters at Seneca Furniture.

In Elmer’s free time, he was a lector/commentator, as well as sang in the choir, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He also called bingo for the Knights of Columbus and the Legion. His memberships include the Knights of Columbus, the fourth degree Ponce de Leon Assembly, and the American Legion Post #21, all in Seneca, KS.

Elmer was a family man. He created many memories with his grandchildren, and the fondest of them being taking his grandchildren fishing. Some of his favorite hobbies included farming, golfing, bowling, and coon hunting. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Lena Melcher, son Glenn Melcher, and brothers Vern, Francis Melcher, and sisters Melita Haverkamp, Evelyn Waters, Lucille Wichman.

Elmer is survived by his wife – Arlene of the home. Four children Gary (Geriann) Melcher of Seneca, Ks, Donna (Boyd) Altenhofen of Seneca, KS, Karen (John) Smith of Marysville, KS, Randy Melcher of St. Joseph, MO. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren – Kim (Curt) Schultejans of Seneca, KS, Kirt (April) Henry of Seneca, KS, Michael (Debra) Altenhofen of Leawood, KS, Michelle (Ross) Harrington of Overland Park, KS, Kent (Hana) Henry of Columbus, IN, Renae (Russ) Fizgerald of Seneca, KS, Melissa Altenhofen (Fiance Andrew Hastings) of Chicago, IL, Kyle (Chelsea) Henry of Olathe, KS, Michaela Altenhofen of Wichita, KS, and Karla (Jake) Hermesch of Seneca, KS. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren – Callie, Eli of Seneca, KS, Landon, Grace of Seneca, KS, Benjamin, Eva, Wesley, of Leawood, KS, Jackson of Overland, KS, Kadance, Aidan, of Seneca, KS, Alma of Olathe, KS. He is also survived by his sister Lavonne Strathman​ of Juda, WI.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM, Friday, December 14, 2018 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00AM, Saturday, December 15, 2018 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in St. Benedict, KS. Burial will be at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Seneca, KS.

Memorials are for Sts. Peter and Paul School sent in care of the family.