Elmer A. Sweers

Elmer A. Sweers, 84, of Britt, passed away Monday, July 29, 2013 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services for Elmer Sweers will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church, 707 4th Street SW, in Britt with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating.  Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation for Elmer Sweers will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.  

Elmer Sweers was born August 9, 1928 to John and Sena (Smidt) Sweers on the family farm near Britt.  Elmer attended country schools and began farming at age 14 when his father passed away.

Elmer served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Elmer was united in marriage to Francine Erickson on September 27, 1953 at the United Methodist Church in Forest City.  To this union, four children were born.  Elmer and Francine raised their family on a farm six miles west of Britt, before moving one and a half miles south west of Britt in 1970.

Elmer and Francine moved to Britt in 1992, and Elmer retired from farming in 2000, but has helped farm every season since, up to and including planting this season.

Elmer enjoyed golfing, playing cards, word search puzzles, bowling, pool, and fishing.  Elmer was very meticulous about his lawn, and he and Francine always had a vegetable garden.  Most of all, Elmer enjoyed the company of his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elmer was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Britt.  He was also a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW, and previously a member of the Lions Club.

Elmer is survived by his wife Francine of Britt; children Ronald (Alesa) Sweers of Britt, Robert (Johnna) Sweers of Guttenberg, Debra (Jim) Madigan of Waseca, and Deanne (Dave) Ulrich of Cedar Falls; grandchildren Drew (Krista) Sweers, Matt Sweers, Zachary (Kali) Sweers, Taylor (fiancé Mandy Kakac) Sweers, Kristen Sweers, Robby Sweers, Katelyn Madigan, Mandi Madigan, Maty Ulrich, Marissa Ulrich and Joseph Ulrich; great-grandchildren Jayden Sweers, Mazie Sweers and Cora Sweers; siblings Lucille DeWaard of Britt, Ben (Mary Rose) Sweers of Britt, Herman (Sally) Sweers of Britt, Janet (Clint) Moldenhauer of Forest City, and sister-in-law Margaret Sweers of Florida; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Elmer is preceded in death by his parents; sister Carrie (Clarence) Schaefer; brothers Jake Sweers and Louie (Joan) Sweers and his wife; brother-in-law Adrian DeWaard.