Elmer Leonard Speer, 89, of Helena passed away May 22, 2011 at his home in Helena. Elmer was born in Marion County, Iowa.
He attended grade school and graduated from high school in Knoxville, Iowa in 1940. He enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged. On November 18, 1944 Elmer and Helen Tadewald were married in Guthrie, Oklahoma. To this marriage, three daughters were born: Synthia Kay, Dara Lynn and Sandra Ann. Helen preceded him in death on June 11, 1997.
Following his discharge from military service, Elmer returned to Montana and worked in Lewistown until 1948 when he moved his family to Helena. In Helena, Elmer worked as an Auditor for the Bureau of Reclamation and later the State Auditor’s Office for 16 years, retiring in the late 1960’s.
He was a member and served as Secretary and Past Master of Morning Star Lodge #5 A.F. & A.M., member and Past Master of Ottawa Lodge #51 A.F. & A.M., member and three time Past Master of Lincoln Lodge #157 A.F. & A.M., Josephine Hepner #89 Order of Eastern Star, and York Rite Bodies, where he served as Grand Officer in all three bodies.
On August 1, 1998 Elmer and Irma Eslick were married at the East Helena United Methodist Church.
In addition to his first wife, Helen, Elmer was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.
Elmer is survived by his wife, Irma of Helena; daughters and sons-in-law, Synthia (Rodney) Vollertson of Helena, Dara (Steve) Smith of Helena, and Sandra (Dave) Smith of Helena; sister, Ida Mae Morris of Des Moines, Iowa; step-sons, Gordon (Sharon) Eslick of Helena and John Robert (Christy) Eslick of Baltimore; three grandchildren, Troy Vollertson, Rishay Vollertson and Jared Smith; step-grandchildren, Katie, Jordan, Aaron, Amanda, Cory and John, Jr. Eslick; numerous great-grandchildren; and special friends, Kenneth (Paula) Holman of Great Falls, Montana.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 27th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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April Tash- Uriarte says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Please let me know if you need anything.
Love ya
April
Helen Richter says
Irma and family:
I was sorry to learn that Elmer passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
God Bless
Helen Richter
Judy (Hanley) Hanson says
I worked with Elmer at the Department of Highways. We enjoyed many laughs and I always smile when I think about those memories. Your Dad mentored me to become a dedicated employee for the State of Montana. He guided me when I needed fatherly advice and defended me at other times. I have wonderful memories of office parties at his and Helen’s home. He will be missed by many.
Keli & Elaine Remus says
Synthia, Dara and Sandy, We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I so looked forward to his Christmas card every year. I am sorry we could not be there to comfort you, we learned of his passing on Saturday the 28th. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please give our love to Irma as well. Love, Keli and Elaine and family
Nancy (Webb) Wilde says
It was such an honor to know him. He was such a blessing to me. So sorry he is gone. He will be missed by many.
Penney Eathorne Sey says
Synthia, Dara, Sandy & families:
Was so sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. He was always so happy to be the center of his girls’ attention and their friends. He was a joy to be around. Bless you all during this very difficult and sad time but know you are in my caring heart. Love, Penney
Tom Erving says
To Elmer’s daughters,
My deepest sympathy go out to you all. What a wonderful father who loved his daughters so much. When I worked with your dad I enjoyed all the stories your dad shared with me. It was like being involved in every day of each of your lives. I listened to him on the phone and enjoyed our daily visits, telling me what happened with each of you.
He will be part of all our lives forever.
Your dad’s old workcohart.
Tom Erving
I will be out of town on your dad’s memorial service. My prayers are with you all.