Elmer Ohlmeier

Elmer Fredrick Ohlmeier, 96, passed away November 8, 2009 at North Point Nursing Center in Paola. Elmer was born January 15,1913 in the rural Block community to John and Lena Kettler Ohlmeier. On February 2, 1913, he was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church by the Rev. Droegemueller and confirmed on April 10, 1927 by the Rev. O. C. J. Keller. He attended the Trinity Lutheran Church until 1946 when the family transferred to the First Lutheran Church of Paola. He was an active member serving in various rolls such as Mission Treasurer, Elder, and member of the school board where all of the children attended for eight years. He spent his young years in the timbers along the river banks, developing a life-long love for nature and the outdoors. It was not unusual for him to find injured or orphaned birds and animals and nurse them back to health. During the 1930"s he would spend April through October in Iowa and Minnesota as a farm hand. On June 16, 1940, he was united in marriage to Edith Sinclair at the Lutheran parsonage in Livermore, IA by the Rev. G.H. Schaeffer. They became the parents of five children. Because of his love for the outdoors and nature, he supplemented his farm income by fur harvesting; both trapping and hunting with coon dogs during the winter months. In April 1947, Elmer and Edith purchased their rural Paola farm. Elmer worked for three years at the Fluor Corporation in Paola, in addition to farming, to pay off the mortgage. Shortly after purchasing the farm, Elmer and Edith planted a large orchard and strawberry patch and grew enough produce to can for the winter and to sell to local grocers and individuals. Visitors to the farm left with whatever produce was in season. Working in his vegetable and flower gardens after a long day of farming was Elmer"s way of relaxing. The flower gardens he and Edith grew would attract towns people out on Sunday drives and they always had flowers for the neighbors to pick for Memorial Day. Elmer and Edith spent their entire life farming together and remained on their farm until 2008 when they moved to North Point Nursing Center due to failing health. Those preceding him in death were his parents; Brothers, Ernest Ohlmeier and Albert Ohlmeier; Sisters, Maggie Rentz, Edna Sheehy Wallace, and Hulda Miller; and Son, James Fredrick who passed away November 10, 1976 in an automobile accident. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Edith Ohlmeier; Daughters, Ethel Weaver and Ruth Cook; Sons, John Ohlmeier, and David Ohlmeier; Sisters, Mable Sinclair and Alma Sinclair; 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Paola First Lutheran Church Service: Friday, November 13, 2009 11:00 AM Visitation: Friday, November 13, 2009 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM