Cover photo for Elmer Degner's Obituary
Elmer Degner Profile Photo
1935 Elmer 2015

Elmer Degner

September 3, 1935 — April 25, 2015

Elmer "Satch" Robert Degner, 79, passed away April 25, 2015 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born September 3, 1935 to Elmer Sr. and Lorraine (Seidler) Degner at home in Brokaw. He attended school in Wausau. He joined the Army and served as a Combat Engineer during the Korean Conflict. Elmer worked as a bartender at the Admiral Bar in Wausau. Later, he worked at Wausau Papers for 38 years.

He married the love of his life, Carole (Glinske) in 1957. They were rarely apart.

Elmer loved growing gladiolus, and was a past president of the Marathon County Gladiolus Society. He spent time refinishing furniture for many family members. He loved going to the casino and playing Bingo. Elmer was honored to be part of the Honor Flight program, a highlight of his life.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Scott David; parents, Elmer and Lorraine Degner; in-laws, Earl and Norma Glinske; 3 brothers, Roger, Laverne and Robert; and 2 son-in-laws, Butch Gutzmer and Dennis Liebscher.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Carole; 4 daughters, Barbara (Dale) Zempel of Fergus Falls, MN, Wendy (Glenn) Gohdes of Wausau, Cindy (Chris) Thomas of Rhinelander and Lisa (Blake) Burger of Wausau; grandchildren, Abby, Scott, Katie, Matthew and Marcee; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Bailey, Christopher and Bobbi; 3 sisters, Doris Strehlow, Mary Ann Raasch, Elaine Degner all of Wausau; brother, Jim (Dianne) Degner of Lakeland, FL; sister-in-law, Geri Tiziani of Ironwood, MI; and many other friends and family.

A celebration of Elmer's life will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wausau. Rev. Phil Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 29 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; resuming on Thursday at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will be Restlawn Memorial Park, Town of Texas with military rites rendered by VFW Burns Post #388. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

A heartfelt word of thanks goes to all of the doctors, nurses and staff of the MSICU at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their compassionate care for Elmer and the family.


Visitation

Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Services
302 Spruce Street
Wausau, WI 54401

Wednesday, April 29, 2015
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service

St. Paul's United Church of Christ
426 Washington Street
Wausau, WI 54403

Thursday, April 30, 2015
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Restlawn Memorial Park

Town of Texas, WI

Thursday, April 30, 2015

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elmer Degner, please visit our flower store.

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