Mr. Elmer Frederick Groskreutz Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Elmer Frederick Groskreutz, age 97, of Berlin, died May 9, 2014 at Juliette Manor Nursing Home where he had resided for the past year and eight months. He was born in Montello on November 23, 1916 to Gustave and Ella (Gaatz) Groskreutz. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church, Montello, on December 10, 1916 and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran, Wautoma on April 19, 1931. On May 3, 1942 he married Ruth Luella Schlueter in the Trinity Church, Wautoma. Elmer and Ruth farmed in Wautoma, Westfield and Poy Sippi until retiring and moving to Berlin in 1982. Elmer enjoyed playing cards, visiting with family and friends, and collecting and refurbishing antiques. Elmer was the oldest living member of St. John Lutheran Church, Berlin. He is survived by his six children, Harlen of Berlin, twins- Donald of Berlin and Donna (Donald) Dretske of Pine River, Gary (Jean) of Pine River, Franklin (Gail) of Pine River, and Kenneth (Sue) of Poy Sippi: seventeen grandchildren, David (Chris) Dretske, Duane (Kerri) Dretske, Debra (Bill) Wissell, Darrell (Rhonda) Dretske, Kevin (Janelle) Groskreutz, Brad (Tami) Groskreutz, Cheryl (Scott) Markowski, Randal (Stephanie) Groskreutz, Gregory (Jillian) Groskreutz, Eric (fiancée, Tina Marchan) Groskreutz, Dawn (Adam) Chaplin, Alan Groskreutz, Beth (Eric Buhrow) Groskreutz, Kenneth, Jason and Michael Groskreutz, and Ray Groskreutz; thirty-two great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, on June 29, 2011 and after 69 years of marriage; his parents; his father-and mother-in-law, Frank and Minnie (Daye) Schlueter; a daughter-in-law, Jean Groskreutz; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Arden and Linda, and Wilbur and Ruth Groskreutz; two brothers-in-law, Vernon Humphrey and Omar Schram; an infant granddaughter and a great-grandson, Justin Rhode. Visitation with family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 13, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home and also on Wednesday, May 14 at St. John Lutheran Church in Berlin from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. Services will be officiated by Pastor Bryan Lundquist. A Lunch will be served at the church hall immediately following the services in the church. Burial will be in the Wautoma Union Cemetery. Pallbearers are Elmer’s grandsons, David and Duane Dretske, and Kenneth, Kevin, Alan and Randal Groskreutz. Online condolences may be sent to wieckiskipchakfuneralhome@centurytel.net. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Lundquist for all of his visits and prayers and to the caregivers and staff of Juliette Manor for the loving care given to Elmer and his family. CLOSE THE GATE For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head, your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed. Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended, Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended. You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son, Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done. A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way, the sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day. Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine, Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time. You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow, Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now. Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate. Nancy Kraayenhof.

Mr. Elmer Frederick Groskreutz

November 23, 1916 - May 9, 2014