Published: October 28, 2009 10:03 am      

Elmer Fritz Kettler

Elmer Fritz Kettler passed away Oct. 25 in Floresville.

Born July 23, 1917 in Taylor, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Marie Raschke Kettler, parents Fritz Kettler and Emma Muegge Kettler, sister Hattie Kettler Seaholm and cousin Ruby Muegge Byrd.

He is survived by a daughter, Patsy Kettler Greiner of San Marcos; two grandchildren, Stacy Greiner of Dallas and Justin Greiner of Round Rock and two great-grandsons, Tyler and Dylan Greiner of New Braunfels.

Elmer served his country in the Army in World War II in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland. He was decorated with the American Theater and EAMR Campaign, Good Conduct and World War II Victory medals with four Bronze Stars.

Elmer and Marie married June 9, 1946 in Houston. They resided in San Antonio for 50 years, where Elmer served the Davy Crockett Masonic Lodge and St. John’s Lutheran Church. In 1996 they made their home in New Braunfels. Elmer held dual membership with the New Braunfels Lodge. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Braunfels.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Elmer loved the outdoors. Known by his many friends as Butch or Bustler, Elmer had a knack for building close friendships with anyone he met and was humbled and honored when awarded the Golden Trowel by the Masonic Lodge.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to his extended family at the Veterans Home in Floresville where he lived the last two years.

Visitation will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at the Mausoleum Chapel, followed by a Masonic graveside service at 3 p.m. at Mission Park North Cemetery.

Sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section.