Elmer A. Kolle, 84, of Linn, Kansas, died Friday, March 14, 2014, at the Washington County Hospital in Washington, Kansas.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Linn.Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery.Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ward Funeral Home in Washington, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Elmer Alvin Kolle was born May 7, 1929 to Theodore and Dora (Killman) Kolle, of rural Linn, in the same house he eventually lived in for 84 years. He was baptized into the saving faith of Jesus Christ on May 12, 1929 by Pastor Karl H. Karstensen at Zion Lutheran Church, Linn. He attended Zion Lutheran Grade School in Linn. On April 18, 1943, Elmer was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church by Rev. W.G. Biel. His confirmation verse was “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27 verse 1. Elmer was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Men’s Club and held many offices within the church. Elmer graduated from Linn Rural High School in 1947. He did construction work in the local area and farmed with his father. He served his country in the army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 thru 1954, receiving the rank of Corporal. Upon returning, he farmed with his brother Marvin and later with his nephew Keith. He continued farming and raising livestock until his retirement. On June 10, 1955, Elmer was united in marriage to Marlene Meyer at Zion Lutheran Church by the Rev. W.G. Biel. They were blessed with three children, Sheryl, Royce and Jim. One of his greatest joys was his involvement with the Lutheran Layman’s League and Lutheran Hour Ministries. Elmer served in various positions on the local and zone level. He was on the Kansas District Board for eight years, including two years as the president. This was a rewarding experience for him and Marlene, doing the work for their Lord and Savior. Another privilege Elmer enjoyed, but kept him busy, was serving on the Linn “Community Nursing Home Board for eighteen years. He was also a member of the Wholmore American Legion Post #237 of Linn. Elmer always took time for the family and enjoyed farming side by side with his two sons, Royce and Jim, and in recent years his grandsons, Kyle and Brady, also helped on the family farm. In his free time, he would participate in as many activities as he could involving his grandchildren and looked forward to having them come over to the farm to visit. Elmer was a hard worker and never complained. He loved telling jokes and always had a smile on his face. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin Kolle; sisters, Nyla Voelker and Sophie Bosse; and granddaughter, Brett Kolle. Survivors include his wife, Marlene, Linn; daughter, Sheryl (Ron) Richter, Green; sons, Royce (Deanna) Kolle and Jim (Gina) Kolle, both of Linn; sister, Dorothy Minnie, Winona, MN; brothers and sisters-in law, Lowell (Sharon) Meyer, Jerry (Bernita) Meyer, both of Linn; twelve grandchildren, Dustin (Colby) Richter, Jill (Justin) Whitney, Cody (Jamie) Duitsman, April Kolle and fiancé Darrel Jones, Kyle Kolle, Brady Kolle, Amber Kolle, Carly Kolle, Carissa Kolle; and five great grandchildren, Jayde Richter, Madison, Brinley, Chase Whitney and Lane Duitsman. A memorial fund has been established to the Zion Lutheran Church or to Lutheran Hour Ministries. Contributions may be sent to Ward Funeral Home, PO Box 157, Washington, KS 66968.
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