Elroy Laumer

Elroy A. Laumer, age 78, of Willmar, died Wednesday afternoon, July 23, at the St. Cloud Hospital from complications of pulmonary fibrosis.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 28, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment will be in St. Matthew's Cemetery north of Danube with Military Honors provided by the Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post #167 of Willmar. Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Sunday, July 27, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. www.petersonbrothers.com

Elroy Allen Laumer was born on June 1, 1936, on the family farm near Danube, Minnesota, the son of Arthur and Lillian (Hemze) Laumer. Elroy was baptized on July 11, 1936 and confirmed on April 2, 1950 at Zion Lutheran Church in Olivia. He grew up and received his education in the rural Olivia schools. From 1959 to 1961, Elroy served in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he returned to work on the family farm. Elroy met his future wife on December 31, 1962 on a blind date and on December 4, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in Olivia, Elroy was united in marriage to Carol Anne Lippert. They made their home north of Olivia. In 1969, they moved to Willmar where Elroy was employed at Willmar Manufacturing and later at Marcus Construction. In 1980, he began employment with Olivia Canning Company. In 1986, Elroy was employed by Somody Supply Company and retired in 2003. He was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Willmar American Legion Post, Little Crow Anglers and the Antique Farm and Tractor Club.

Elroy was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed snowmobiles, motorcycles, collecting antiques and watching NASCAR races. His hobbies also included bird feeding, flower gardening and old time dancing. He cherished "coffee time" and 'happy hour" with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol of Willmar; three daughters, Sandra (and Scott) Lee and their daughter, Anne Marie of Faribault, Kathy Laumer of Birdsborro, PA., and Elizabeth (and Chad) Olson and their son, Logan of Plymouth. Also surviving is one brother, Maynard (and Lois) Laumer of Olivia and their children, Scott and Paul and families and one sister, Delores Kubesh of Olivia and their children, Randy and Vicki and families, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.