Elmer M. Preszler, 91, died peacefully at home in Sturgis, SD, on Oct. 12, 2023.
Visitation will be from 5 -7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18, Grace Lutheran Church, Sturgis.
Born March 31, 1932, in Bowdle, SD, to Helmuth and Rose (Himmerich) Preszler, he grew up on a farm near Roscoe, SD, where he attended country school. When he was 12, the family moved to Roscoe; he graduated in 1950. In 1954, he graduated from Northern State Teachers College, Aberdeen. Later, he earned a graduate degree in Counseling and Secondary School Administration.
Elmer fell in love with Alma Delzer when she was a young teacher in Roscoe. The couple married on June 1, 1953, at Selby. Elmer and Alma were married 52 years plus four days at the time of her death in 2005.
He and Alma were in the field of education for 16 years. During that time, Elmer taught high school at Pollock, SD, Webster, SD, and Wabasso, MN. He was a mathematics and business teacher, guidance counselor and principal. In 1970, they moved to Sturgis and Elmer worked as Office/Business Manager for Delzer Construction Company in Rapid City, SD.
Sports were a mainstay in Elmer’s life. A high school and college athlete, he played football and basketball and ran track. Later, he coached each sport. He became an avid Scooper fan and attended high school sporting events into his 90s. Elmer also enjoyed golf, bowling, and Canadian fishing trips.
A man who always tried to be fair, honest, and positive, laughter was important to Elmer. He valued family and friends and was especially grateful to them for their love and support following his wife’s death. During Alma’s battle with cancer, Elmer was her primary caregiver. After her death, he became a volunteer for Hospice of the Northern Hills and Meals on Wheels.
Throughout his life, Elmer’s faith was strong. He was confirmed at the Reformed Church in Hosmer, SD, was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Webster; and Grace Lutheran Church since 1970.
Elmer is survived by his daughter, June Preszler, Custer, SD; his grandson, Eric (Colleen) Preszler, Ladera Ranch, CA; his brother, Jerold (Lila) Preszler, Tinton Falls, NJ, and Dunnellon, FL; great grandchildren, Tatum, Macklyn, Hutson, and Quinn, Ladera Ranch, CA; and nieces/nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alma; his parents, Helmuth and Rose; and his sisters, Lorene Kranzler and Ardella Kilber.
A memorial has been established to Grace Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
