Passing of Lehrke, Elmer F.

Elmer Fred Lehrke was born April 15, 1926 in Hollywood Township of Carver County the son of Elmer and Alvina (Braun) Lehrke.  He was baptized on May 2, 1926 at St. John Lutheran Church in Hollywood Township with Ernst Braun, Fritz Raether and Meta Braun as his sponsors. 

Elmer was united in marriage with Phyllis Umland on January 21, 1961 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa.  This union of 58 years was blessed with son Joel. 

Elmer operated the family farm in Hollywood Township raising Holstein dairy cattle and crops.  His love for farming never faded even as Phyllis and he have been residents of Westview Acres in Waconia for the past ten years.  He was proud of his animals and providing for his family.

Elmer was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hollywood Township where he had served as an Elder and sang in the church choir which his wife Phyllis directed for many years..  In earlier years he had played Baritone in a community band.  Elmer enjoyed playing cards, especially Sheepshead.  He cherished time with his grandchildren Nate and Natalie.  Elmer will be remembered for his always positive and kind nature that saw the positive in everything.
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Elmer is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Alvina Lehrke; brother Raymond Lehrke; sisters and brothers-in-law Florence and Rueben Narr, Ethel and Earl Emich; brother-in-law and sister-in-law William and Christy Umland.
Elmer is survived by his loving family: wife Phyllis Lehrke of Waconia; son and daughter-in-law Joel and Heidi Lehrke of Chanhassen; grandchildren Nate Lehrke of Landstuhl, Germany, Natalie Lehrke of Chanhassen; nieces and nephews Duane (Arlene) Narr, Corrine Allen, Donald (Nancy) Narr, David Narr, Cheryl (David Gutzmann) Klemp, Judy (Bruce) Pease, John (Janet) Umland, Julie (Norman) Krause, Peter Umland, Mark (Shelly) Umland; many great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Serving as casket bearers Nate Lehrke, Natalie Lehrke, Judy Pease, Bruce Pease, Donald Narr, David Narr, Peter Umland, Mark Umland.
Arrangements with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia.  www.johnsonfh.com