Elmer R. Bretschneider, 102, of West Bend, died Saturday, November 19, 2005 at his residence in Cedar Bay West at the Cedar Community.
He was born on April 3, 1903 in the town of Farmington to the late Robert and Laura (nee Fischer) Bretschneider. At a young age, Elmer began working with Dr. Weber to establish telephone lines throughout Washington and Ozaukee counties. He also worked on the family farm until his marriage to Irma A. Degnitz on June 29, 1940 at St. Martin's United Church of Christ in Fillmore. He was then employed as a machinist at Gilson Brothers in Fredonia for 30 years until his retirement.
In 1977, Elmer and Irma moved from Fredonia to the Embassy Condominium in West Bend. Irma passed away on June 3, 1996. In October 1996, Elmer moved to Hawaii to live with his son. Elmer returned to West Bend in July 1999 and became a resident of Cedar Bay.
Elmer was a member of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend.
Elmer is survived by his son, Robert (Mary) Bretschneider of Waipahu, Hawaii, two grandchildren, Jon and Katie Bretschneider, both of Waipahu, Hawaii, a brother-in-law, Richard (Minnie) Degnitz of Fillmore, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Amanda (Walter) Degnitz, and a brother, Wilmer (Mabel) Bretschneider.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Myrhum - Patten Funeral Home, West Bend, with Rev. Joseph Fisher of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Martin's Union Cemetery, Fillmore. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service.