On April 11, 2021 Elmer Louis Reiser, 94, left this world a very blessed man. He was born on a farm near Hudson on Aug. 4, 1926. His mother, Francis (Krkosska) Reiser, was a strong German woman and his father, Louis Reiser, a hard-working mechanic and farmer. He had an older brother Alois, and sister Jennie. He was followed by three brothers, Ralph, Rudy and Larry. Oh the stories he told about their shenanigans. He was proud that they always had each other’s back. One memory that he always told through tear filled eyes is of the last time he saw his oldest brother Alois. He remembers Alois looking back at the farm as he left to serve in World War 11, where he later lost his life. He was also quick to tell how hard they worked on the farm, milking cows, feeding cattle, shucking corn and hauling water through the snow.
After attending high school in Hudson, Kan. he moved to Great Bend and worked for Furrey Tire Company. He met the love of his life, Laura Jane Dolezal at her brother, Ralph Dolezal’s wedding. They were married on May 16, 1950. In 1952, he was drafted into the Navy. After his service, he took a job at Merring Son Gas Station and helped his dad farm in Stafford County. Elmer then went to work at Spruill Motors for the next twelve years. He then opened his own mechanic shop “Reiser Auto and Truck Service” on West 10th Street and for 20 years built a reputation as a dependable honest mechanic. In fact, he did many small jobs and when asked what was owed, his response was “Just buy me a cup of coffee someday.”
He enjoyed bowling, golfing, horseshoes, playing cards and traveling. One of his favorite stories was when he and Laura went on a month-long vacation with Ralph and Eloise Dolezal to explore NE United States. He soon realized that vacationing in New York was more expensive than the Midwest and had to call Farmers Bank to have money wired to travel home. Not only did he live a blessed and near perfect life, he experienced that as well on the golf course and bowling alley with a hole in one and a 298 bowling score. He was a member of The American Legion, The American Bowling Congress and a former member of The Knights of Columbus.
Elmer spent the last months of his life reminiscing about his friends he made during his 94 years. His obituary wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the following: Leo Alexander, Eugene Bugner, Melvin Dreher, Marvin Dunn, Jack Durbin, Elton Fischer, Wayne Fischer, Bob Gunn, Jack Hillman, Bob Hipp, Lee Hopkins, Marvin Karst, Les Johnson, Paul Linenberger, Virgil Maser, Lonnie McDonald, Bob Olivier, Arlon Postlethwaite, Alvin Reiser, Dennis Reiser, Howard Reiser, Norman Reiser, Carl Ringwald, Arthur Rose, William Rose, Greg Schenk, Silvester Swager, Paul Ueckert, Claude Vink, Larry Vink, Melvin Vink, Jim Weisner, Prentise Weltmer, Paul Wooster, and Joe Zecha. Although there were more friends and cousins he cherished, these are just some of the names his family remembers while reminiscing.
His family meant everything to him. His kids and grandkids will attest to never leaving his presence without being told that he loved them and was proud of them.
Elmer is survived by his wife of 70 years of the home; son Douglas Reiser (RoxAnn); daughters Cathy Anderson (Randy), Renee Buntain (Darren); and son-in-law David Huslig. He is also survived and deeply loved by six grandchildren, Amber Anderson, Rollie Anderson (Denise), Wyatt Huslig (Jessica Milsap), Kayci Huslig, Jordyn Southard (Kris) and Chase Buntain; four great-grand- children, Brooklyn Reynolds, Finnley and Clare Anderson, Callan Southard; and many nieces and nephews.
Eight years ago he lost his daughter Cindy (Huslig) to cancer and looked forward to reuniting with her. He was also proceeded in death by his parents; and four brothers Alois Reiser, Ralph Reiser, Rudy Reiser, Larry Reiser; and one sister Jennie Ueckert.
Elmer will be missed but his legacy of honor, principles, work ethic and caring about his friends and family will live on.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a Vigil with Rosary at 7 p.m. The family requests masks and social distancing at the service. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 14, 2021
