Elmer Albrecht passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at home, lovingly surrounded by family. His memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, with interment of his urn at Hills of Rest Memorial Park. Memorial visitation begins at 12 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, where the family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
Elmer Lawrence Albrecht was born on Jan. 16, 1927, in Pollock to Ferdinand and Elizabeth Albrecht. Elmer grew up in Pollock and completed his schooling there in 1944, and moved to Aberdeen and began work on the Milwaukee Railroad. At age 17, in September 1944, he joined the Navy. Elmer served in the Pacific on the USS Watts and the USS Ebert, both destroyer escorts. After the war ended, his ship visited several ports in China and Philippines before sailing home and entering San Francisco harbor passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. He received an honorable discharge in April 1946, and returned to Aberdeen to work on the Milwaukee Railroad as a mechanical repairman.
In Aberdeen, he met Virginia, the love of his life, and they were married on April 2, 1947, and lived in Aberdeen for five years, then moved to Red Wing, Minn., for seven years and to Mitchell (1958) for 12 years, finally settling in Sioux Falls in 1971. Elmer worked as a mechanical supervisor for the Milwaukee Railroad for 38 years and finished his railroad years working for the Burlington Northern in Sioux Falls.
Elmer's love for life was so evident in the amazing way he loved his family and in turn was so loved by them. He always was able to make each of his children and grandchildren feel so special, never missing an opportunity to be part of their lives. Family gatherings at Christmas and the Fourth of July were some of his favorite times. Elmer was a wonderful example as a dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, the strength, courage, and undeniable faith and love for family that he taught all of us is truly remarkable.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his children: Stan (Linda) Albrecht, Steve (Georgia) Albrecht, Sioux Falls, Bruce (Becky) Albrecht, Aberdeen, Anthony Albrecht, Orlando, Fla. Twelve grandchildren: Amy Gross, Aaron Albrecht, Charlotte VanRoekel, Judd Albrecht, Jamie Vickery, Jen Olenkamp, Tylor Albrecht all of Sioux Falls, Desiree Albrecht and Allyson Albrecht, Orlando Fla., Brandon Schjodt, Yankton; Brent Albrecht, Crystal, Minn., and Scott Albrecht, Aberdeen. Sixteen great-grandchildren: Abby, Zach, Briana, Jacob, Nathan, Nick, Addy, Kailyn, Liam, Mckenzie, Josiah, Brooklyn, Alyse, Talon, Caleb and Isaac. He is also survived by four sisters: Viola Gilberston, Ruby Prouse, Deloris Larson and Doris (Marv) Nickell; and sister-in-law, Loretta Schuff.
Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia (2010); parents; brothers: Irvin and Wilmer; and sisters: Iris and Edith.
A complete obituary and online registry is available at georgeboom.com.