Elmer Earl Lindell
Funeral services for Elmer Earl Lindell, 92, Lawrence, will be at 10 am Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Cremation will follow, and private inurnment will be at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery. He passed away June 13, 2014, at his home after fighting a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Elmer was born January 23, 1922, in Lone Star, Kansas, the son of August and Mattie (Lutz) Lindell. After graduating from Liberty Memorial High School in 1941, Elmer enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served at Leyte Island and Okinawa during World War II. Elmer received a bronze star for heroism on the invasion of Leyte Island and reached the rank of 1st Sergeant in the 321st Division of the Combat Engineers, attached to the 96th Infantry (Deadeyes) during his term of service.
Upon returning to Lawrence from his military service, Elmer worked for the Kansas Power & Light Company, where he met Bertha Jean (Bertie) Crabtree. They were married in Lawrence, Kansas, on April 30, 1948, and spent 60 years together. He was employed by the Kansas Color Press, where he was a press and maintenance worker until his retirement in 1988. Elmer was a devoted Studebaker fan and drove his prized 1950 tan Studebaker Truck for over 34 years to work. He has been a member of the Kaw Valley Studebaker club for over 35 years and was an avid bowler, bowling in several leagues over the years. Mr. Lindell was a long-time member of the American Legion, VFW, 40 & 8, Elks, and Eagles organizations. Elmer never knew a stranger and visits with him was always an adventure in history, especially if you were able to take a tour of his garage of nostalgia. His smile and humor were contagious and changed the atmosphere wherever he was.
Elmer was preceded in death by his first wife, Bertie, his parents, a brother Charles Lindell, and one sister, Ruby Hjaltalin. He is survived by his current wife, Hazel Rew, a daughter Connie Lindell Hackett (Tony), Baldwin City; and a son, Larry (Cindy) of Louisville, Kentucky; two sisters, Ann Ellis, Huntsville, Alabama & Martha Mason, Lincoln, California; two grandsons, Davis & Brian Lindell, Louisville, Kentucky; a step-daughter, Janet Enyart, St. Joseph, Missouri; a step-son, Dan Rew, Lawrence; one step-grandson; four step-granddaughters; nine step great-grandchildren; and his many beloved nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 8am to 8 pm Monday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6 to 8:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in his name to the Dorsey-Liberty American Legion Post #14 or the Visiting Nurses Hospice of Douglas County, sent in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
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June 20, 2014
All of my thoughts and prayers are with you Connie. Bunco pal, Deb.
June 17, 2014
Scott Frost
So sorry to hear of Elmers passing. He was such a great man who always had kind words. He will be missed very much. Learnard Street won't ever be the same without him. Truly one in a million guy.
June 16, 2014
PAT & MIKE KOZUBEK
PAT AND I WERE SO SORRY TO GET THE NEWS OF ELMERS PASSING.WE WERE FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE STUDEBAKER CLUB AND ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO LISTENING TO ELMER TELL STORIES. HIS SMILE AND PERSONALITY WAS INFECTIOUS....HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM....MIKE KOZUBEK.....TOPEKA
June 16, 2014
Gene Flakus
To Elmer's Family
A great friend and co- worker, he had a wealth of information on the job and was easy to learn from as well. Always willing to share his knowledge. He will be missed greatly !!!! A wonderful man.
Gene Flakus,
June 16, 2014
Mary Wakeman
Larry, of you and all your family:
Elmer was always there for us. He was always made time to be there when my dad needed help fixing something and gave us all hope with his amazing personality making the best of every situation. We all have learned a lot from him and we were so lucky to have him in our lives. He will be greatly missed; our prayers are with you all.
Mary & Rich Wakeman
June 16, 2014
Rita Burke
Connie, thinking of you & all your family. Our prayers go out to you.
Rita & Tim Burke
June 16, 2014
Georgia Howell
I bowled on the senior league with Elmer. so sorry he's gone.
June 16, 2014
Elmer was the Dearest Brother ever. We were so fortunate to spend quality time with him recently. I love him very much and will miss him greatly.
Martha Mason, Sister.
June 16, 2014
Rick Mason
June 16, 2014
Rick Mason
June 16, 2014
Rick Mason
June 16, 2014
Steven L. George
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
June 15, 2014
Judy Gragg
Elmer never met a stranger, always had a story,joke or just a big hug. Prayers are with the family and Elmer will always be smiling down on you.
June 15, 2014
Bill Boyd
I enjoyed the talks with Elmer when I did work for him or when he would walk over to Roger's next door when I was there.
He was a very knowledgeable guy. I will miss him and his talks.
June 15, 2014
Betty & Norman Semon & Bloomquist
We will certainly miss that sweet smile, dances and conversations with Elmer. He brought such a brightness and laughter to our times at the dances...
Our hearts & prayers go out to his family.
June 15, 2014
Marvin and Kathy Pine
Our parents knew Elmer growing up and always spoke kindly of him to us as children. We, as adults, spent several occasions with him and knew that he was a great person. We are saddened by his passing. We will miss him.
June 15, 2014
J.T. Schwalm
Our prayers are with the Lindell family. Elmer was a good friend and co-worker.
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Funeral services provided by:
Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
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