Elmer L. Gieske, 90 of Hartford, SD, passed away on March 14, 2010, at the V.A. Hospital.

Elmer was the son of Fred and Ella Gieske, born in McCook County, SD, on March 18, 1919. He grew up and attended school in Canova, SD, graduating from high school in 1937. He moved to Sioux Falls, SD, and was employed at the Bell Box Company. Elmer enlisted with the United States Army and was entered into the 147th field artillery unit. The unit moved to Fort Ord, CA, for a 1 year tour of duty. At the end of that year he found his army service had been extended due to world turmoil, and was on an overseas convoy to the Philippines, stopping in Pearl Harbor enroute. His convoy resumed its ocean voyage on December 4th just days before the Japanese made their infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, and then continued on to many other islands. He was proud to have served his country and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Elmer was united in marriage with Geraldine Miller on March 2, 1946. They made their home in Sioux Falls, SD, until 1956, when they built a house on Wall Lake. Elmer worked as an apprentice at Beach Printing until becoming an owner and operator at Modern Press and later worked in real estate and insurance.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and served for many years in the Izaak Walton League. He was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church and also served as its board chairman. He was a member of unity Lodge #130, Sioux Falls Consistory, and El Riad Shrine. He served a few years on the El Riad Executive Board and was awarded a life member of El Riad Temple.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; a son Jim; and siblings Norman, Clarence, and Lucena Nickel.

Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife Geraldine, Hartford, SD; daughters Barbara Bowden, Sioux Falls, SD, Carol Gieske, Hot Springs, SD; daughter-in-law Claudia Gieske Hansen, Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren Brad Gieske, his wife Heather, and their children Eric, Katie, and an expected newborn, Colorado Springs, CO, Mark Gieske, Sioux Falls, SD, Jessica Bowden Friesen and her husband Michael, Seattle, WA, Peter Bowden, Phoenix, AZ; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will begin at 12 pm with the family present from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Miller Funeral Home, 13th & Main. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm on Friday, March 19, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church, West Wall Lake with burial at Hills of Rest Memorial Park.