Elmer was born October 26, 1915 at Abrams to the late Otto and Pearl (Sawyer) Jahnke. He married Ruth Krueger July 30, 1938. She preceded him in death on June 22, 1999. Elmer retired in 1985 from Schroeder Oil Company. He was a member of United Methodist Church, Oconto.
Survivors include two daughters, Judy (Richard) Halminiak, Reno, NV, Nona (Howard) Schaden, Oconto; a brother, Erroll Jahnke, Abrams; a sister, Hilma Mayo, Oconto; four grandchildren, Craig (Gayle) and Ashley Halminiak and Jacqueline and Troy Schaden.
Elmer was preceded in death by three brothers, Albert, Otto Jr. and Wilbur; and a sister, Ruby Dessmann.
Friends called at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto. Funeral service was conducted 11 a.m. Friday, December 31, 1999, at United Methodist Church, Oconto with Rev. Frederik Schulz officiating. Burial at Brookside Cemetery.