Elmer A. Scheetz, 99, of Luzerne, IA passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017 at the Belle Plaine Specialty Care.

Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, Belle Plaine, IA with Pastor Dean Duncan officiating. Burial will take place at International Cemetery in Luzerne with military honors.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine and will continue one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Belle Plaine American Legion and Belle Plaine Ambulance. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com

Elmer was born October 13, 1917 to Louie and Laura (Rabe) Scheetz on the family farm northwest of Luzerne. Growing up he attended county school in rural Luzerne and helped out on the family farm. Elmer joined the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was awarded many decorations for his service in WWII, including a Purple Heart. Elmer was wounded on June 16, 1945 in the sinking of the USS Twiggs and was discharged later that year. After his service, Elmer met the love of his life Ruth Janssen at a Farm Bureau event and later they were married on January 4, 1948. The couple moved to the family farm where together they raised their four children.

Elmer loved his family and frequently traveled to many states and even out of the country to spend time with them. He enjoyed fishing in Canada and Minnesota, and weekly visits to the casino with Ruth.

Elmer was a member of the Belle Plaine American Legion, Farm Bureau, First Lutheran Church and a Township Trustee.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Ruth Scheetz of Luzerne; children, Wayne (Cendie) Scheetz of Urbana, Lyle Scheetz of Luzerne, Edward (Gina) Scheetz of Belle Plaine and Rita (Mark) Musleh of Manhattan, KS; grandchildren, Brittany Shine and Bridget Musleh; great-grandchildren, Jemma and Stella Shine and sister, Gladys Werner of Van Horne.

Elmer is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.