Elmer Kenitz

Elmer J. Kenitz, age 90 of Kenosha, WI, formerly of Montello passed away Wednesday evening, August 3, 2011, at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha. Elmer was born on April 26, 1921 in Montello, WI, to Ernest and Emma (Abraham) Kenitz. He graduated from Montello High School in 1939 followed by Waushara County Normal School in 1941 and was a teacher at Pine Lake School in Springfield Township, Marquette County for one year before joining the Army in 1942. Upon returning from the Army in 1946, he graduated from UW-Madison in 1949. He married Margaret 'Peggy' Draeger on February 13, 1954, in Racine at the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Elmer courageously served his country in the armed forces as a Captain in the 79th Infantry Division in the European Theatre during World War II and eventually retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel. Upon retiring from active service in the Army and graduating from UW-Madison with a degree in Business Administration which led him to the position of District Director of Job Services in Racine, WI and retired in 1983 from the Lancaster, WI office. Elmer and Peggy then moved back to Montello to enjoy their retirement. Elmer was an active member of the Montello Lions Club and also a member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church. He was an avid sports fan and also enjoyed the outdoors; playing golf, fishing, camping, hiking and watching wildlife. Elmer is survived by: daughter, Kristie (Pete) Braun, Racine, WI, son, Roger, Chicago, IL and step son, Randy Salkowski, Racine, WI, Grandchildren: Siri and Janna Kenitz, Sarah (Dan) Farrey and Katie (Caleb) Ward. Great-grandchildren: Megan and Carter Farrey and Adelie Ward. He is further survived by many other family members and friends, he will be greatly missed. Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Peggy and his sister, Lorena. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, 313 E. Montello St., Montello with Pastor R.F. Westendorf officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. Burial with full military honors will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine, WI on Tuesday, August 9th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John's Lutheran Grade School are appreciated. Crawford Funeral Home of Montello is serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com

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Burial
Tuesday, August 9, 2011