Another of the "Greatest Generation" has left us on December 10, 2016.

Elmer John Naasz born October 6, 1919 at Penalosa, KS, son of John and Wilhelmina (Pfeifner) Naasz. He was confirmed at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kingman, KS on September 26, 1937. He graduated from Kingman, KS on May 23, 1938. Elmer enlisted in the United States Army on October 7, 1940. He entered active service on December 23, 1940 and served until November 28, 1945. He was in the 187th Glider Infantry. He attended jump school at Ft. Benning, Georgia.

He met Olga Irene Wohlschlegel in Harper, KS, they were married October 2, 1943 in Phoenix City, Alabama. A son, Gary Dean, was born at Ft. Benning Base Hospital where Irene worked. Elmer was Section Leader as Staff Sergeant in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. He supervised and directed loading, firing, and aiming of heavy machine guns. He also supervised placement of guns, firing, and withdrawing during combat. He received decorations: American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, WWII Victory medal, Good Conduct Medal. On September 2, 1945 he was an honor guard for the signing of the end of WWII in Tokyo, Japan.

Elmer John Naasz was the third born son of John and "Minnie" in a family of Erwin, Albert, Elmer, Billie, Bobbie and half-sister, Berta Marie Crumley. All the boys served their nation as soldiers, having lost Erwin aboard the "Arizona" in Pearl Harbor. After he was discharged from the Army, Elmer and Irene farmed in Scott County with their son, Gary and where daughter, Linda was born. After four years they moved to Sumner County, KS, near Dalton, where they farmed for 35 years. They established Naasz trucking along with their farming. They retired to Wellington where they were active at Calvary Lutheran Church where Elmer was an elder and usher for many years. Anyone who needed anything could rely on the Naasz's to be there. Be it trips to chemo, changing oil for widows, and the never ending help to the grandchildren. Having lost Gary at age 20, they were always there for Linda, her children, and their great grandchildren.

Elmer was predeceased by his parents; loving wife, Irene, of 70 years; step-father, Ernest Crumley; four brothers, Erwin, Albert (Ruth), Billie (Leona), and Bobby (Shirley).

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Fuller of Wichita; sister, Berta Harmon of Florida; grandson, Curtiss (Wendy) Crossman of Wichita, granddaughter, Cara (Bobby) Mader of Mulvane; great grandchildren, Ian, Avery, and Evan Crossman, Geoff and Ryan Houston, Erin (Marc) Mason, Allysa and Abi Allton, and Caleb Mader; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. Reverend William Wingfield will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Prairie Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 1:00 – 8:00 P.M. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

A memorial has been established with Calvary Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be left at the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.