The family made their home on a farm west of Milberger where Elmer engaged in all the activities of the typical farmer. The family moved to Russell in February of 1955 and Elmer left the farm, but continued to have great interest in the farming activities and helped several people during the harvest season each year. He worked a short period of time in the oil field and then began work at Vincent Motor Company where he worked there until his health made it necessary for him to retire about two years ago.

Beside his work and his family his great interest was in sports of all types. He took a particular interest in football and baseball because of his boys and their participation in these sports in school and in the Legion Baseball Program.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Carl, who died as an infant, and one sister Mrs. Ben Ummel.

Survivors include his wife, Esther of the home, his three sons, Geary of Greeley, Colorado; Elmer J. Jr., of Hoisington, Kansas, and PFC. Robert L. Schafer serving with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam; three daughters, Mrs. Don (Shirley) Clapp of Medicine Lodge, Kansas; Mrs. Ruth Stropes and Mrs. Delvin (Roberta) Hupfer, both of Russell; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Schafer of Russell; six sisters, Mrs. Irene Morgenstern and Mrs. Reinhold Wegele, both of Russell; Mrs. Conrad Krom and Mrs. Walter Steiben, both of Great Bend, Kansas; Mrs. Ray Huschka of Ellinwood, and Mrs. Norman Starkey of Hutchinson, also 11 grandchildren.

Date of Birth: April 12, 1912
Date of Death: August 3, 1969
Place and Time of Service: St. John Lutheran Church, Russell, Kansas Thursday, August 
7, 1969 - 10 a.m. preceded by a family service at 9:30 a.m. from
Pohlman's Memorial Chapel.
Clergymen: Rev. E. J. Erlandson
Music: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "How Great Thou Art".
Soloist: Eileen Vladar
Organist: Clarence Steinert
Casket Bearers: Tom Ummel, C.W. Gustin, Alvin Webster, Milbern Nuss, Andrew 
Wolverton, and Steven Huschka.
Interment: Milberger Cemetery, Milberger, Kansas
Service Arrangements Entrusted to: Pohlman's Russell Mortuary, 6th and maple, Russell, Kansas.