Elmer Dietrick Carl Schaefer

Elmer Dietrick Carl Schaefer, 96, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Silver Birch Assisted Living, Fort Wayne. Born in Allen County on May 10, 1925, Elmer was the son of the late Fred and Ella (Tielker) Schaefer.

Elmer married his forever-love, Blanche Mourey, on July 19, 1947. They celebrated 68 years of wedded joy until she passed in 2016. His four passions were his faith, his family, farming - with an emphasis on Minneapolis Moline tractors, and music - with an emphasis on polkas. Elmer's dad founded the Schaefer Implement Company in 1929 where Elmer worked from 1939 until his retirement in the year 2000.

Elmer lived a servant's life and was dedicated to helping farmers succeed. His mechanical ability was known throughout all of northern Indiana. He never came across a tractor he couldn't repair, a farm implement he couldn't sell, or a stranger who didn't become a friend. Elmer also never met anyone he didn't try to help, and frequently, refused to accept anything in return.

He loved animals - especially his beloved dogs - and babies, and they loved him in return. Elmer and Blanche cared for 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 23 foster babies. "Dad" will be missed by multitudes of farmers, friends, relatives and medical professionals along with his two sons, Ted (Lola) Schaefer of Dawsonville, Ga., and Steve (Cheryl Livingston) Schaefer of Fort Wayne; four daughters, Mary Kay (Don) Ehlerding of Fort Wayne, LuAnn (Lyle) Lantz of Cape Coral, Fla., Elaine (Scott) Jones of Lakewood, Colo., and Molly (Dave) Banko of Marietta, Ga.; and two sisters, Lorna Kukelhan of Fort Wayne and Dina Swing of Kokomo. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Schaefer.

A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church (6318 W. California Road, Fort Wayne), with viewing one hour before. Viewing also from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the church. Elmer will be laid to rest in Lindenwood Cemetery.

In place of flowers, memorial donations in Elmer's honor may be made to Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, or A Mother's Hope. For online condolences, please visit www.hockemeyermillerfh.com