Obituary of Elmer Francis Hentges

Elmer F. Hentges, 85, of Dyersville, Iowa died Thursday, June 26, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center, Dyersville, Iowa. Friends may call from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2014, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a Vigil Service will be held at 3:30 p.m., and an American Legion Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2014, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Elmer was born February 10, 1929, in Dyersville, the son of Peter and Renilda (Schmal) Hentges. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School in 1947, the University of Iowa in 1951, and served in the Army during the Korean War. He purchased the family business, Hentges Hardware & Furniture in 1954. Elmer married Marilyn McDermott on May 26, 1956, in Dyersville. As a business owner, Elmer was a very active volunteer and a member of many civic committees over the years. Elmer was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish, the Knights of Columbus Council 1734 and the Dubourg Assembly, and American Legion Post 137. Survivors include his wife Marilyn, 2 sons: William (Beverly) and Bruce (Catherine) both of St. Louis, MO, 5 grandchildren: Zachary, Sarah and Matthew Hentges, and Nicole and Peter Hentges; a sister: Mary Kathryn Beckmann of Ankeny, IA; and a brother-in-law, William Hurlbutt of Lincolnshire, IL, in-laws, Kathleen Brown of Naples, FL, Barbara McDermott of Carroll, IA, Mary (Tim) Showalter of Dyersville. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: Margaret in infancy, and Alice Hurlbutt; brothers-in-law, Luke Beckmann, Delbert McDermott and Richard Brown. Memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.