Elmer F. Neumeier

Elmer Frederick Neumeier, 94, was welcomed by the Lord with “Come in my good and faithful servant” on May 14th, 2012 at 10:15pm. His wife and family were at his side as he departed. Elmer was born July 8, 1917, in Dayton, OH to Raymond Frederick and May (Caldwell) Neumeier who both died when he was young leaving him orphaned at age 5. He was raised by his grandparents, Andrew & Katherine (Fisher) Neumeier, of Wapakoneta. Armed with the responsibility to define his own path and built upon the family values passed down to him, Elmer entered the military during World War II. He served a 3yr term as seaman and machinist mate in the United States Navy, Seabees, 70th and 84th Battalion Units, serving tours in Algeria, Okinawa and Guam. He was awarded the Purple Heart. During his service term, he married Mary Louise Gehrlich January 10th, 1944, a lifelong friend and the love of his life. A “man of all trades” he then pursued a life of service to his family, church and community. His work history included Westinghouse, Gehrlich Brothers, Koneta Rubber Co., and the Wapakoneta City School system from which he retired. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Wapakoneta F.O.E., Knights of Columbus (K of C) and Holy Name Society. He held the position of Grand Knight during his service at the K of C. He received a 25 year service award as a member of the scouting community serving as an educator & leader for area youth. Elmer was a gifted card shark and accomplished fisherman, but he’d rather be known for his faith, patriotism and love of family. Elmer is survived by his wife, Mary Louise; children Janice Daum, James (Elena), Rebecca (Tom) Mosler, Barbara (Tom dec.) Maloney, Bonita (Michael Flood), Teresa (Michael) Elsass, Richard, Alice (Emerson dec.) Altstaetter, Nancy (Edward) Gutman, Joseph (Kathy), Mary Kay (Daniel) Drexler, Philip, Frederick (Robin), Angela (Robert) Butler, Michael, Samuel (Mary), Matthew, Mark (Christina), Amy (Stuart) Meyers; 130 grandchildren (60 grand, 64 great and 6 great-great). He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Victoria and a great-great grandson Jayden. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m., Fri. May 18, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 107 W. Pearl St., Wapakoneta, Rev. Patrick Sloneker officiating. Burial is to follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. The family will receive friends 2-8 p.m., Thurs. May 17 and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Fri. May 18, at the Long & Folk Chapel of Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, 13 S. Blackhoof St., Wapakoneta. The family asks that you consider donations in Elmer’s name to St. Rita’s Hospice or St. Joseph Catholic Church Renovation Fund.

Elmer F. Neumeier

July 8, 1917 - May 14, 2012