Albert Elmer

Albert W. Elmer, age 92, of Venice, Formerly of Flint, Michigan, Hollywood and Coral Springs, Florida, died August 29, 2008. Born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, eldest son of Harty and Margaret Elmer, he and his parents moved to Flint, Michigan when he was five years old. After his brave and distinguished military service during the 1940’s, he became a well known and respected Architect and Builder in Flint, Michigan. He was President of the Home Builders Association for several years in the 1950’s. Albert enlisted in the United States Army in 1940 and was in the 45th Infantry Division. He rose up the ranks to the position of Staff Sergeant and earned the opportunity to go to Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After his graduation from Officers School his unit was deployed to the European Front during World War II. His unit landed and fought in Sicily, Italy and on the Beaches of Anzio, Italy. From there they bravely fought up the Rhone Valley of France to the Vosges Mountains in the province of Alcase, France. It was during the long march through France that he received three Purple Hearts for his wounds and a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for his bravery. It was in 1944 that he received his last critical wounds from a land mine near the French town of Lembach, located in the Vosges Mountains near the German border. Albert is survived by his beloved wife Melba. Albert and Melba would have lovingly celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary this month on September 16th. He was also much loved by his devoted daughter Cathy Peterson of Sarasota and loving granddaughter Jill Peterson of Chicago, Illinois, a dear cousin Jackie Macey of Canada and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his close, loving, furry companion Molly whom he dearly loved. In his lifetime he was an avid tennis player, a writer of wonderful poetry and loved to sing which he did at every opportunity with his beautiful baritone voice, in the later years especially to his dear companion Molly. Albert was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Venice as well as the American Legion; he was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans and MOAA. A service with military honors will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements