Elmer Janzen was born to Jacob and Anna Janzen in Hydro, Okla., on Aug. 3, 1924.

He passed away on Dec. 28, 2011, at Pleasant View Home, surrounded by his family.

He was married to Leona Drake on Aug. 31, 1946, in Hutchinson. Leona passed away on March 28, 2009.

Elmer was a veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific. He worked as an auto mechanic for many Pontiac dealers in Hutchinson, including O'Mara Motors, Barry Erickson, and Cook Motors, until his retirement in 1986. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1942.

Survivors include: three sons, Jerry and wife Debbie, Butch, and Gary, all of Hutchinson; three daughters, Linda and husband Ron Schreiber, Janet Frenya and Mark Daniel, and Susan and husband Ron Tompkins, all of Hutchinson; 13 grandchildren, David, Chris and Brandon Janzen, Aaron Schreiber, Michelle Chambers, Dustin, Lisa and James Frenya, and Heather Thompson, all of Hutchinson, Courtney Janzen of Wichita, Shelby Dakin of Haysville, Cory Janzen of Lawrence and Stuart Janzen of Oklahoma; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Helen Minor and Geraldine Durbin of Hutchinson, Joann Janzen of Wichita; brother-in-law, Gerald Drake of Hutchinson; and many nieces and nephews. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Leona Durham; and brothers, Orville and Ernie Janzen.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, at Elliott Chapel, with Chaplain Bob Phipps officiating. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Reno County or Pleasant View Home, in care of the mortuary.