W. Owen Elmer passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in Kearney, Nebraska; he was surrounded by his family. Owen was born on June 13, 1938 at St. Catherine’s Hospital in McCook, Nebraska to Willard P and Arlene L (Welborn) Elmer. He graduated from Indianola Public Schools and attended UNL until returning to Indianola to help with the family business, Indianola Oil Company.
Owen met Donna Hoyt and after one date they knew they would make a lifetime commitment. They were married on November 1, 1958. Together they welcomed four children. Owen and Donna worked towards bettering their community. Owen, working with employees, educators, and local farmers, made innovations to many farming practices. This forward thinking helped create significant advancements in conservation. His love of flying and people led him to transporting many children to Shriners hospitals all over the country. He also served the area on the Indianola City Council and as a Nebraska State Legislator from 1988-2000.
After retiring from the legislature, he continued his love of engineering with his woodworking projects that he made for his true joy - his family. Owen and Donna loved traveling to all parts of the world. They escaped to Casa Grande, Arizona the last fifteen winters. They enjoyed meeting lots of people as Owen could strike up a conversation with anyone.
Owen represents a life well lived.
Owen is survived by his wife, Donna (Hoyt) Elmer; children: Crinda (Rick) McConville of Indianola, Lewis (Lavenda) Elmer of Briggs, TX, Jeana (Bryan) Kruger of Holbrook, and Sharma (Rob) Dunder of Longmont, CO; “adopted” daughter, Monica (Rafa) Matamoros Panero of Madrid, Spain; along with 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Owen was preceded in death by his parents as well as one grandson, Christopher Kruger.
Cremation was chosen and visitation with Owen’s family present will be Thursday evening, May 18, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Memorial services are set for Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with inurnment in the Indianola Cedar Grove Cemetery following.
Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or to the American Cancer Society in Owen’s name. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.