Elmer Knief

HURLEY, Wis. - Elmer Knief, 91, of Ironwood, passed away on Sept. 21, 2019, at Sky View Nursing Home in Hurley.

Elmer was born on Jan. 27, 1928, in Bateman, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Alvin and Hedwig "Hattie" (Glatz) Knief.

He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Germany from February 1951 to December 1952 in a medical unit.

Elmer worked his entire career at Meyer's Sausage Company in Ironwood. His true passion was his second career as a foreign car mechanic, operating his own business from his garage. He loved Volkswagens and drove one until the time of his illness. He was also the proud owner of a 1960 Mercedes Benz which he sold a few years ago.

He was a strong Christian and was active in his church, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hurley. He served as head usher for many decades and served as church secretary.

Elmer was a quiet, humble man who led by example. In his later years, he shared more stories regarding his life, his love of God and cars. He was a bachelor, but he had a family and friends that loved him and will miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Bernice Korpi and Delphine Gustafson; brother, Ronald Knief; niece, Maureen Gustafson; and great-nephew, Ryan Gustafson.

Elmer is survived by his nieces and nephews, Gerald (Terry) Gustafson, Darlene (Tom) Dahl, Michael Gustafson, Brenda Korpi, Jeffrey (Lynn) Gustafson, Kevin Korpi and Christopher (Marnie) Korpi; and nine great-nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tim Johnson officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Elmer's family would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff at Sky View Nursing Home where the entire staff took exceptional personal and professional care of our uncle.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. For more information or to express online condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.