Elmer Greger, 92, Bowdle, died Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Bowdle Hospital.

Elmer Greger, son of Emma (Lemley) and John Greger, was born May 1, 1932, at Bowdle. He was raised on his family’s farm 4 miles west, 3 miles north and 1 mile W of Bowdle and attended the Buechler Rural School. He then worked on the family farm. Elmer served his country in the United States Army, being inducted January 29, 1953. Following his honorable discharge on December 2, 1954, he returned to the farm. He married Marlene Kalmbach at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Bowdle on April 8, 1956. They settled on a farm 1 mile S of Elmer’s home place. In 1959, they purchased the Baltasar Schuh farm 4 miles W and 8 miles N of Bowdle. In June 1983, they moved into Bowdle. Elmer continued farming until 1993. From 1994-1997, he worked at Lassle Liquor in Bowdle. He then worked six springs for the Bowdle Cenex hauling fertilizer. Elmer was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church where he was a long-time council member. He also belonged to the Bowdle American Legion Post #264, Bowdle. SD. Elmer had many hobbies. He enjoyed camping and fishing and repaired and collected rods and reels. He was a skilled craftsman, having made hot pads out of wine corks, wooden stepstools, 36” benches, and very nice flower stands.

Elmer is survived by Marlene, his wife of 68 years; one son—Kenneth (Ginny) Greger of Kuna, Idaho; one daughter—Maryann (Mark) Ebach of Rapid City, SD; one sister-Agnes Rieger of Bowdle; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and three step grandchildren.

Elmer was preceded in death by his father, John, on September 11, 1978; his mother, Emma, on March 17, 1988; three sons—Arlin, Lonnie, and Darren; one brother; and one sister.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Monday, January 13, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bowdle, led by Pastor Timothy Daub. Interment, with military graveside rites, follows at the Church Cemetery. Organist will be Pastor John Klatt and usher will be Blake Eisenbeisz. Congregational Hymns will be “Amazing Grace”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Just as I Am”, and “What A Friend we have in Jesus”.

Casketbearers will be Christopher Greger of Park City, UT; Leo Greger and Matthew Greger of Mobridge, SD; Greg Ebach and Bryce Winter of Rapid City; and Leonard Stern of Aberdeen, SD.

Visitation commences 4:30 PM Sunday with a 6:00 PM prayer service at Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle. Vocal selections will be “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Nearer, My God to Thee”.

Elmer’s funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.

Services are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle.

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