Elmer H. Will, 88, New Bremen, died 5:39 a.m. Sept. 30, 2011, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

He was born Jan. 4, 1923, in Carthagena, to Ferd D. and Ida F. (Kaup) Will. On Aug. 29, 1953, he married Lela J. Bauer, who survives in Minster.

Also surviving are a daughter, Peggy (Mark) Kitzmiller, New Bremen; a brother, Leroy (Linda) Will, Fort Wayne, Ind.; three sisters-in-law, Theresa Will, Minster, Marie Will, New Bremen, and Doris Will, Fort Wayne; two granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were three brothers, Wilbert, Louis and Donald Will.

He served with the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater with the 749th Tank Battalion, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, and a retired employee of the former Landmark Grain Elevator in New Bremen.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial will be in the German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church memorial fund or St. Rita's Hospice, Lima.