Elmer Rohlena

ELMER ROHLENA

Norway

Elmer Rohlena, 85, of Norway, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, at Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center in Cedar Rapids. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW. Burial will be in Anderson Cemetery near Swisher, with military rites. Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 4 until 8 p.m. at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids. Friends also may visit with the family on Wednesday after 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Elmer was born April 1, 1930, the son of Frank J. and Libby Horsky Rohlena, on the family farm in rural Fairfax, where he began farming with Belgian horses. Elmer was united in marriage to Thelma June McCalmant on Nov. 6, 1965, in Marion. He and Thelma later moved to their farm near Walford, where Thelma still resides.

He enjoyed farming, especially raising cattle and hogs. Elmer was proud of his Czech heritage and regularly listened to Czech music. He was very proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments.

Elmer was very sociable, enjoying an intriguing conversation with anyone who would listen. He was a member of Norway United Methodist Church, Norway American Legion and WFL Lodge 400.

Elmer is survived by his wife of 50 years, Thelma; children, Frank (Jeni Zimmerman) Rohlena of Norway and Carl Rohlena of Norway; grandchildren, Seth, Isaac, Amber and John Rohlena; a niece; a nephew; and several cousins.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lester; and a nephew, Richard.

The family would like to thank the friends and staff at Heritage for their kindness and compassion.

Memorials may be directed to family. If you wish to send flowers, please make them artificial due to allergies. Thank you.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.