Elmer John Niemoller

Elmer John Niemoller, one of three sons of Maleeta Charlotte Rose (Schoening) and John George Niemoller, was born on March 26, 1929 on the family farm north of Mineola, Iowa. He attended Sunday school, was confirmed and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola. He attended Vogler School in Mineola through the 8th grade. During his early years on the farm, as soon as he was old enough, Elmer helped his father on the farm, with horse drawn equipment. Farming became a little easier in 1947, when their first tractor was obtained. Elmer's farm work was interrupted by the Korean War and he spent 1950 to 1953 serving in the United States Air Force; working in the motor pool, mostly on jeeps and trucks. After his discharge, he returned to the farm briefly. Elmer worked 22 years as a home appliance repairman for RCA Service Company. In 1977, the love of farming once again called him back to the family farm where he was born. He continued his appliance repair business as Elmer's Appliance Service, along with a small farm operation until his retirement.

Elmer and Margaret Albers were married on September 24, 1955 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska. They made their home in Omaha and their marriage was blessed with five children, Judy Ann, Janet Rose, Diane Marie, Daniel John, and Patricia Jean. The family eventually moved back to the Mineola area.

Elmer and Margaret were members of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Glenwood, Iowa. Elmer enjoyed trapping, hunting and target shooting. He won many trophies at the local gun clubs in trapshooting. Elmer loved to attend local auctions and was an avid reader. Elmer especially loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends.

Elmer and Margaret were married 57 years when Elmer passed awayat their Mineola farm home on December 31, 2012, following a brief battle with leukemia. He attained the age of 83 years, 9 months, and 5 days and was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ervin Niemoller, at age 4, and Harlan Niemoller in 2011; and grandson Brian Townsend in 2000.

Elmer is survived by his wife Margaret Niemoller of Mineola; children, Judy Sorenson and husband Chris, Janet Murnan and husband Steve, and Diane Townsend, all of Omaha, Dan Niemoller and wife Eileen of Papillion, NE, and Patricia Callaghan of Council Bluffs, IA; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and many friends.

Memorials suggested to Hospice with Heart or Mineola Volunteer Fire Department.

Interment in Mineola Cemetery.

Loess Hills Funeral Home of Glenwood in charge of arrangements.