Elmer Carl Kruesel

Elmer Carl Kruesel, Jr., age 98, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2016. He was born June 7, 1918 to Elmer and Amelia Kruesel in Rochester, MN. He lived on the family farm until marrying his wife, Dorothy Margaret Case. He told his family what it was like living on the farm. It was both challenging and exciting in the country, attending a rural 1 room school which was a 1.5 mile walk from home. At times if the winter conditions were especially bad, his father would take him to school using a sleigh and horses. He graduated from Rochester Central School in 1936. Elmer began working at Maass Plumbing Heating for his grandfather, Ernest Maass, in 1936, eventually buying the business and running it for over 40 years. Elmer married the love of his life Dorothy Margaret Case on October 6, 1940. They had three children, Karen (Jim) Warren, Gary (Rita) and John (Judy) and that family has expanded by seven terrific grandchildren, Jill Rux, Jim (Sandra) Warren Jr., Jeff (Sheila), Tim (Kecee), Brian (Paul), Claire and Lucy as well as seven wonderful great grandchildren, Taylor and Max Rux, Sara, Amelia and Jimmy Warren, Anna and Lorna Rae Kruesel. During WWII, he worked as a plumber on several Government jobs helping in the war cause, but later was called up to active duty by the US navy being there until for the duration of WWII. While his main love was family, he was active in Score, Kiwanis, Rotary, National Music Box Society and his church (Trinity Lutheran and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church). He loved restoring and bringing back to life all sorts of music boxes, player pianos and coin operated music machines. Elmer also enjoyed fishing, dancing, playing cards, and golf, gardening and family celebrations. He and his wife, Dorothy traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, China and Australia throughout their 74 year marriage. Dad and Mom loved sports with a special interest in the Minnesota Twins, the Vikings and yes even the Green Bay Packers. The pictures above show him all dressed up for his 1933 confirmation and then years later with a big smile preparing to dig into a plate of his favorite oysters. The visitation for Elmer will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes with a 5:00 p.m. service to celebrate Elmers life. Please join the family for refreshments and fellowship immediately following the service. Memorials can be directed to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or Mayo Hospice. He would love to see you all there with smiles on your faces and love in your hearts. Arrangements are entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600. To share special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com