Elmer W. Cohlman Jr., 95

Elmer W. Cohlman Jr., 95, of Brandon, S.D., passed away peacefully and was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. His Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon with interment at Hills of Rest Wildwood Mausoleum in Sioux Falls. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at George Boom Funeral Chapel in Brandon, where the family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. and a Liturgical Wake Service begins at 7 p.m.

Elmer William Cohlman Jr. was born in St. Louis, Mo., on July 20, 1925 to Elmer and Melba (Lerishe) Cohlman.  

While on leave from serving in the U.S. Navy on the L.S.T. 1081 landing ship tank, Elmer met the love of his life, Bert Baumiller. They were married on Jan. 17, 1945 and shared 74 loving years of marriage. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, they settled in St. Louis where they raised their two children, Don and Donna. Elmer worked at the St. Louis Car Company building street and transportation cars, including those that took tourists to the top of the St. Louis Arch. He also worked at the Combustion Engineering Company as a supervisor. Upon retiring, he worked part-time inspecting houses for Bellefontaince Neighbors.

After living 60 years in St. Louis, Elmer and Bert moved to Brandon, S.D., to be close to family. They settled into their garden home at Bethany Meadows where Elmer enjoyed being a part of the community and made many friends. He loved playing pool, Bingo, Pinochle, watching all sports, attending church functions, going to the VFW on Thursday afternoons and spending time with family and friends.

Elmer was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was a friend to all who knew him, a joy to be with and much loved for his easy-going nature.

Elmer was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bert; his parents, Elmer and Melba Cohlman; and his sister Virginia Bocci Hennelly.

He is survived by his son, Don Cohlman and his wife, Kathy of Chandler Ariz.; his daughter, Donna Lessnau and her husband, Rick of Sioux Falls; three grandchildren, Beth Dubovik and her husband, Dan of Mesa Ariz., Donald Cohlman Jr. of Chandler, Ariz., and Jennifer Lessnau of Los Angeles, Calif.; and six great-grandchildren, Derek, Anthony, Catherine, Huxley, Stephen and Evelyn.

For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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