Obituary of Elmer Burlage

Elmer was born on May 27, 1912 in rural Worthington, the son of Theodore and Sophia (May) Burlage. He received his education at the St. Francis Xavier School in Dyersville. On February 14, 1939, he was united in marriage to Dorothy (Urbain) at St. Josephs Catholic Church, Farley, Iowa. The couple farmed for several years in the Dundee area and on a farm near Worthington, in Dodge Township until retirement. He was an active member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church in Worthington. Elmer took great pleasure in working the land and caring for his livestock. He was inducted into the Dubuque County Cattlemen Hall of Fame in 2001. When it was time to enjoy his family and friends, you would find him playing cards. He also enjoyed bowling, as well as a good ball game whether it was his sons, grandchildren, the local town teams or the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a devoted father and husband of 66 years to his wife, Dorothy. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of Dyersville; five daughters: Julie Hosch of Cascade, Anna Jane Meyer, of Grand Haven, Michigan, Betty Burlage, of Chicago, Illinois, Lois (Keith) Rinderknecht, of Ham Lake, Minn., Karen (Tim) Nefzger, of Dyersville; three sons: Ed (Mary Lou) Burlage, of Farley, Joe (Helen) Burlage and Tom (Lois) Burlage all of Worthington; 23 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; one sister, Irene (Andy) Hostert; one brother, Don (Mickey) Burlage of Worthington; 3 sisters-in-law: Odeil (Anselm) Willenborg, Gertrude Urbain and Dorothy Urbain; and a brother-in-law, Ray Urbain. He was preceded in death by grandson, Frederick Meyer, son-in-law, John Hosch; four sisters: Ida (Lavern) Engler, Lucille (Emil) White, Florence and Mildred Burlage; and two brothers: Lester and Lawrence (Frances) Burlage. Condolences accepted and information at www.kramerfuneral.com.