Obituary of Elmer Virgil Willenborg

Elmer V. Willenborg, 100, formerly of Dyersville, died Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Sharon Lane Health Services in Shawnee, Kansas. Elmer V. Willenborg was born November 5, 1911, in New Hampton, Iowa, the son of Ben and Molly (Gerken) Willenborg. He was united in marriage to Martha E. Arens on January 30, 1937. She preceded him in death on March 3, 1977. Together they farmed north of Dyersville. Elmer was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Basilica, where he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. Elmer married Mary Veronica (Waldschmitt) Freking on August 5, 1978, in Remsen, Iowa where he lived for 29 years. He was active in the Remsen KC's Council 3405, was a Eucharistic Minister at St Mary's Parish, and was active in the Meal Site program. Survivors include four children: Tom (Janet) Willenborg of Corona, CA, Mary Zirul of Kansas City, MO, Ann Holst of Big Fork, MT, and Joyce Willenborg (Martin Malin) of Oak Park, IL; ten grandchildren: Tom Willenborg, Jr., Todd (Missy) Willenborg, Heidi (Tony) Quintero, Amy Smith, Molly Maiers, Laura (Marc) Miller, David Holst, Carl (Susan) Florian, Martha and Catherine Malin; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Iven (Willenborg) Weber, of Dubuque, IA; five step-children: Ronald (Janice) Freking of Salt Lake City, UT, Sr. Marilyn Freking, OSF of Chicago, IL, Sr. Carole Freking, OSF of Clara City, MN, Betty (Bob) Ryba and Rose Ann (Tom) Harvat of Omaha, NE; 8 step-grandchildren and 14 great step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Martha (Arens) in 1977; his second wife, Mary Veronica (Waldschmitt) Freking in 1997; two children, Jane in 1973, and John in 1981; one brother, Carl, and two sisters, Dula Scherrman and Dell Rose Mangerich. Family and friends may call from 3-9 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2012 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a vigil service will be held at 4 p.m. and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2012 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandchildren: Tom-John and Todd Willenborg, Carl Florian, Molly Maiers, David Holst, Martha and Catherine Malin.