Soberg, Elmer L.

Elmer L. Soberg, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, in his home following a long illness. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Concordia Lutheran Church, by Pastor Brad Brown. Burial: Oakland Cemetery, Manchester, at a later time. Friends may visit Tuesday from 4 until 8 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home and after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Elmer is survived by his wife of 63 years, Catherine; children, Cheryl Detlefsen of Cedar Rapids, Jacalyn (James) Bell of Reasnor, Robert (Odena) of Cedar Rapids and Lynnette (Richard) Merten of Sully; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Novotny of Robins, David (Vicky) Bell of Sully, Karen (Vince) Buls of Tipton, Mark Bell of Killduff, Wayne Soberg of Cedar Rapids, Benjamin Davis of Brandon, S.D., Laura (Chad) Thomas of Dodge Center, Minn., and Nathan Soberg of Mount Sterling; and nine great-grandchildren.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James (Ann) Christiansen; and a sister, Vita (George) Bayer.

Elmer Leroy Soberg was born May 18, 1923, in Racine, Wis., the son of Fritz Ingvard and Anna Marie (Norker) Soberg. He graduated from Stambaugh High School in Iron River, Mich., in 1942. He served his country during World War II as a Merchant Marine. He married Catherine Marie Davis on Sept. 9, 1948, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Monticello. Elmer worked for 31 years at Farmstead Foods, retiring in 1986.

During his life Elmer was an active assistant Scout Master with Troop 33 of the Boy Scouts of America for over 15 years. He enjoyed nature and was an avid outdoorsman. Elmer was a long time member of Concordia Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice End of Life Care, especially Jennifer, Penny, Lisa, Rachel, Cindy, Lynn, Kay, and Chaplain Joseph Kane for their kind and compassionate care they gave Elmer.

Memorials may be directed to Concordia Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com

Published Aug. 27, 2012 in The Gazette