Obituary of Elmer Stefan

Elmer Ralph Stefan December 17, 1924 March 25, 2009 Elmer Ralph Stefan, 84, of St. Joseph and previously of Indian Lake near Dowagiac, Benton Harbor and Tavares, FL, passed away at the Whitcomb Tower in St. Joseph on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. Elmer was born on December 17, 1924 to the late Adolph and Natalie "Dolly" (Gruntman) Stefan. After high school Elmer was enlisted to serve our country in the Army Air Forces. He wed the love of his life, Jean Beverly Antes, at a ceremony in St. Joseph County, Indiana on September 24, 1949. They were married for 53 wonderful years before Jean passed away. Elmer owned Stefan Surveying, doing business out of Benton Harbor, and was a farmer before that. He is preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Jean, and brothers Fred and Clarence Stefan. Elmer is survived by his Son Jan (Vicki) Stefan of St. Paul, Minnesota, Step-son Gary (Mary) Rue of Lansing, Michigan, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and brother Lloyd (Nellie) Stefan of Kansas City, Kansas. A memorial service to honor Elmer's life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel (61453 M-51; Niles) at 2 pm with a time of visitation and remembrance one hour prior. Pastor Naumann from the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor will be officiating.