Elmer E. Fischer

Elmer Fischer was born October 28, 1927, to Edward and Adelheid Fischer at Menno, South Dakota.  There he met the love of his life, Iona Munkvold and was married December 6, 1953 at a Lutheran Church out in the country south west of Meridian Station.

They have six wonderful boys:  LaVern (D’Anna) of Sturgis, Earl of Summerset, Roy (Audrey) of Parkston, Kenneth (Karri) of Hot Springs, Curtis (Tami) of Sturgis and Doug of Hot Springs.

Elmer was in the U.S. Army from November 1951 to September 1953.  He was wounded and received the Purple Heart and numerous medals.  His company had 150 men and 7 of them made it home.  The Korean War ended decades ago, but the battles have lasting effects for all men who served.  In May of 2016, Elmer received the Ambassador of Peace medal by the Korean Government.

After their marriage Elmer and Iona moved to Yankton, SD where Elmer worked at the Herfkins Grain Elevator.  They moved to Lesterville, SD where he worked for Weber Grain Elevator and was also a member of the Lesterville Fire Department.  They moved to Hot Springs, SD in 1970 where he worked at the Hot Springs School District for 20 years.  He was active in the V.F.W., he was a Local Commander of Post 1640, from there he became District Commander of 12 Posts.  He was active in American Legion and D.A.V., and active in the Bethesda Lutheran Church.  After their retirement they moved back to Yankton SD were Elmer worked at HyVee Grocery Store.  There he was a V.F.W. member, American Legion, D.A.V. and a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church.

In April of 2018, Elmer and Iona moved to Sturgis to be closer to family where he resided until his passing.

Elmer has 8 sisters, one brother, 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents and 3 sisters.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Menno and Freeman Korean War Memorials.